LV celebs to throw out first pitches at AAA All-Star Game

ALLENTOWN - The most recognizable sports figures in the history of the Lehigh Valley, Pro Football Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik and former Heavyweight Champion of the World Larry Holmes, will both toss ceremonial first pitches and sign autograph's during this week's All-Star activities presented by the Lehigh Valley Health Network, the IronPigs announced today. The two will also be joined by Pocono native Chase Mattioli, currently vying for Rookie of the Year honors in racing's ARCA Series.

Larry Holmes will make his second all-time appearance at Coca-Cola Park and throw out the Home Run Derby's ceremonial first pitch proceeding the event's start time of 7:05 p.m. He will also be signing autographs for a limited time behind Section 111 on the concourse soon after the Derby gets underway.

A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Holmes also threw out a ceremonial first pitch at Coca-Cola Park on Opening Day in 2009.

Bethlehem native Chuck Bednarik will throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2010 Triple-A All-Star Game presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Similarly to Holmes, Bednarik will also be signing autographs behind Section 111.

Also during Wednesday's pre-game festivities, ARCA racer Chase Mattioli will do a ceremonial lap in a Pocono Raceway Pace Car and then signify the start of the 2010 Triple-A All-Star Game by yelling, "Play Ball!". Mattioli is the grandson of Drs. Joe and Rose Mattioli, one of NASCAR's legendary families and the owners of Pocono Raceway.