Tribe Plays Trump Card: It’s A Deuce Spokane Indians Set To Show Off For Espn2 Cameras Tonight

Live! From Spokane! It’s Thursday night!

All right, so it was a bit more effective for Chevy Chase. Still, the Spokane Indians are looking to capture the attention of thousands across the nation tonight.

For the first time, the Indians will appear on national television. ESPN2, cable channel 59 in Spokane and 25 in Coeur d’Alene, will do the honors, with Steve Lyons and Matt Vasgersian behind the mikes.

The Northwest League game against the Yakima Bears has a 7:05 scheduled start at Seafirst Stadium. Jeremy Williamson (2-1, 1.42) should start for Spokane.

Indians general manager Andy Billig said tickets remained as of Wednesday. Prices are $5.50 for reserved seats, $3.50 for adult general admission and $2.50 for youth G.A.

ESPN2, dubbed “The Deuce,” approached the Indians earlier this year about the possibility of a telecast. When a second, more definitive call came earlier this month, Billig needed perhaps five minutes to fax the rights to the game.

ESPN2 has televised an array of Thursday minor-league games this summer. The network recently planned to broadcast an NWL game from Everett, but did not.

The Indians hope a packed house and TV cameras showing off their facility impress important viewers. Spokane has filed for an expansion Triple-A team; many people involved in the selection process could tune in.

Thursday is also big for promotions. Young fans will receive baseball cards as they enter. To fans 18 and older, the Indians will distribute 2,000 envelopes with various cash amounts. The grab bag is sponsored by Rock 106 KEZE and Mr. Turkey, whose spokesman, former Cy Young Award winner Vida Blue, will throw out the first pitch.

, DataTimes