Keene SwampBats to Honor Ripken Reese with Special Night at Alumni Field on July 25

by Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Keene SwampBats will celebrate one of the greatest players in franchise history when they host Ripken Reese Night on Saturday, July 25, as the Bats take on the Sanford Mainers at Alumni Field. Reese, the Kent State standout whose walk-off grand slam and postseason heroics powered Keene to its sixth NECBL championship last summer, will be on hand throughout the evening to meet with fans, sign autographs, and share stories from his time in a SwampBats uniform. Fans attending the game will have the chance to walk away with a piece of history, as signed baseballs, baseball cards, and photos will be given away courtesy of Reese himself, while replica jerseys will also be available throughout the night. Reese will cap the pregame festivities by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

Longtime fans and franchise historians alike consider Reese the best performer in the SwampBats' 29-year history, and it's easy to see why. Beyond his standout bat, with a .370 postseason average, three home runs, and 14 RBI during Keene's title run, Reese holds a distinction no other player in franchise history can claim: he's the only SwampBat ever to play all nine defensive positions in a single game. Talented as he is between the lines, those who know him best say Reese is just as respected for his character off the field. Fans won't want to miss this celebration of a true SwampBats legend, and there's more to come...stay tuned next week for details on the special night honoring Reese as it approaches.