World Series MVP Ferris

BANGOR – Organizers of the 2007 Senior League World Series announced that University of Maine Baseball standout Joe Ferris of Brewer will throw out the ceremonial first pitch this weekend at Mansfield Stadium.

“I’m honored to play a small role in this year’s series,” said Ferris.

Ferris played a big role in the University of Maine’s participation in the 1964 College World Series in Omaha, Neb., during which Ferris was named Most Outstanding Player. A graduate of Brewer High School, class of 1962, Ferris is now an attorney who still calls Brewer “home.”

The 2007 Senior League World Series features five regional teams from America, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and this year’s Maine District 3 champion, Brewer.

“I’m very proud to have the Brewer team representing our area this year,” said Ferris. “This is great, and I wish Brewer, the host team, the very best.”

The first pitch for the 2007 Senior League World Series is scheduled for noon Sunday, Aug. 12.

Opening ceremonies and festivities begin at 4 p.m. Friday Aug. 11, with the skills competition, including a home run derby and pitching accuracy challenge. Next, fans will see how the sport was first played in the 1800s as the Augusta team, Dirigo, takes on Essex, Mass. Then, the 10 World Series teams will enter the field in the Parade of Champions.

Ceremonies conclude with a fireworks display. The opening ceremonies and festivities are free and open to the public.

Passes to the 2007 Senior League World Series, Aug. 11-18 at Bangor’s Mansfield Stadium, are on sale at R.H. Foster Mobil on the Run and One Stop convenience stores in the Bangor area.

‘Flattest Bike Ride in Maine’

BANGOR – The public is invited to participate in the first annual “The Flattest Bike Ride in Maine” bicycle ride – 100-mile, 50-mile and 25-mile rides – on Sunday, Sept. 9.

The 100-mile ride begins at 7:30 a.m. The 50-mile ride begins 9:30 a.m. The 25-mile ride begins 11 a.m.

The ride will begin and end at Cascade Park in Bangor, across the road from the Shaw House Waterworks Housing Project, and will proceed north along a route that parallels, more or less, the Penobscot River.

Riders should register at least 30 minutes before the event they wish to participate in.

Proceeds from the event will go to Shaw House programs which provide services to homeless and at-risk adolescents in central and northern Maine. Entry fees are $25 per rider or $40 per family. The event is supported with food, drinks, sweep vehicles, communication and maps with route directions.

For more information, e-mail Jonathan Siegel at jsieg@verizon.net, or call him at 942-2627; or e-mail Dave Atwood at Stillwater Recumbents, dcatwood72@gmail.com, or call him at 827-6461.

Helmets are required at all times when riders are on their bicycles. Children must be accompanied by a parent who will be responsible for them at all times.