Funnville - The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are excited to announce that former Virginia Tech football head coach Frank Beamer will make a celebrity appearance at The Diamond during Virginia Tech Night driven by AAA on Thursday, July 26. Coach Beamer will throw out the ceremonial first pitch as well as sign autographs for fans who donate a book to the Herma's Readers program (7-8 p.m., on main concourse). Tickets for the event can be purchased by clicking here. Thursday July, 26 also features an In-Your-Face Fireworks. Gates open at 5:35 p.m.

"Frank Beamer is a legend and better yet such a wonderful, impactful human being," said Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "We look forward to making more great memories with him and our fans on July 26."

Beamer was hired as the head coach of Virginia Tech for the 1987 season and coached 29 years for his alma mater. Beamer is the winningest coach in program history. Among his many accomplishments with the Hokies, Beamer spearheaded the rise of the program into the powerhouse that it is today. Beamer accumulated a record of 238-121-1 in 29 years at Tech that included 23 consecutive bowl game appearances. Beamer's appearance at The Diamond on Thursday, July 26 includes a ceremonial first pitch as well as a book drive for Herma's Readers.

Beamer founded Herma's Readers in 2008 as a tribute to his mother, who was an educator for more than 30 years. Fans must bring a book for Herma's Readers to receive a raffle ticket that can be redeemed for one (1) autograph from Coach Beamer. The Squirrels have helped collect books for the organization over the past several years.

Beamer Is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at approximately 6:20 p.m. Former Voice of the Flying Squirrels and current Voice of the Hokies Jon Laaser will introduce Coach Beamer for his first pitch. Media availability will be after the first pitch at approximately 6:35-6:45 p.m. outside the Flying Squirrels clubhouse.

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