(Fort Mill, SC) - Dale Murphy, a two-time National League MVP, is set to make a special appearance at Knights Stadium on Friday, April 20. The former Braves great, who won the NL MVP award in back-to-back seasons (1982-'83), will be on-hand to meet and greet fans, sign free autographs, and throw-out a ceremonial first pitch at Knights Stadium.

Gates are set to open at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, and the Knights will host the Gwinnett Braves (Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) in game one of their three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

A native of Portland, OR, Murphy was drafted by Atlanta in the first round (fifth overall pick) of the 1974 amateur draft. He played in 18 Major League seasons and is one of only four outfielders in Major League Baseball history to win back-to-back MVP awards. The 6'4 slugger led the National League in home runs twice (he hit 36 in 1984 and 37 in 1985), and hit over 30 home runs in a season six times. He hit a career-high 44 home runs in 1987.

Murphy retired from baseball after the 1993 season with a career .265 batting average, 398 home runs, and 1,266 RBIs. Among some of his accomplishments, Murphy is a seven-time National League All-Star, a five-time Gold Glove award-winner, and four-time winner of the Silver Slugger award. On June 13, 1994, the Atlanta Braves retired his jersey.

Tickets for this game, as well as single-game tickets for all Knights home games are now on-sale and fans can purchase tickets online at charlotteknights.com, in-person at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, or by phone at either (704)-357-8071 (North Carolina), or (803)-548-8050 (South Carolina). Tickets for all 72 home games range from $8 to $15.

The Charlotte Knights opened the 2012 season on Thursday, April 5 with Military Appreciation Night. 2012 Knights season tickets and mini-plans are also on-sale now. Baseball Fans Wanted... No Experience Necessary!