Comedian Bill Murray is set to deliver both humor and baseball excitement at the historic Old Joliet Prison this Thursday.
The Joliet Slammers will step onto the field for the “Big House Ballgame,” a highlight of the Route 66 festivities.
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Once the site of inmate games before its closure in 2002, the facility will host a match between the Joliet Slammers and the Gateway Grizzlies.
This storied prison, now a venue for America’s favorite pastime, joins the centennial celebration of Route 66.
“Prior to the closure, prison baseball teams had a rich tradition of competing against others,” remarked Joliet Slammers coach Ron Biga. “I’ve seen numerous photos, and today we’ll don replica uniforms, which should be quite a treat.”
Coach Biga encourages his team to savor the moment as they make history on the legendary prison grounds.
“For the players, it’s going to be fun,” Biga said. “Overall, for the community, businesses, the people around here are so proud of the things out here, they’re really going to enjoy it. Obviously, they’ve sold so many tickets so fast.”
Co-owner of the Joliet minor league team and avid Chicago sports fan Bill Murray is on hand for the special day.
“I think it’s just gonna be fun,” Murray said. “I think it’s really gonna be silly fun and the fences are kind of short. It’s a small baseball park. They can only make it so big. There’s gonna be some home runs. They are going to be flying over the cell block over there and make it over that fence there. That’s pretty far hitting that tower there, but I can take it out left.”
The famed comedian lent a hand to the grounds crew ahead of the Route 66 Centennial kickoff game.
“It’s almost the weekend kids, good day to call in sick for tomorrow,” Murray said. “What’s the weather forecast …definitely a good day to call in sick.”
First pitch is at 3:05 p.m.
There are pregame festivities with blues performances and food trucks.
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