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BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech’s series opener with Long Island University on Friday at English Field has been moved up an hour and will now begin at 2 p.m., instead of 3 p.m.

The change was made to accommodate the start of ‘Baseball Night in Blacksburg,’ which is scheduled to take place from 6-9:30 p.m., on Friday evening.

Tickets are still available for the third annual event, which will be held on the sixth floor of the west side of Lane Stadium.

The featured speaker at ‘Baseball Night in Blacksburg’ will be former Hokie and two-time Major League all-star Mike Williams.

The event, catered by Bull and Bones Brewhaus and Grill, will also include silent and live auctions for various professional sports and Virginia Tech items, and a chance to meet the entire 2010 Virginia Tech baseball team.

Tickets cost $75 per person ($35 for kids 13-and-under), and can be purchased by calling the Virginia Tech baseball office at (540) 231-3671.

A private, open-bar reception with Williams will be held prior to the public portion of the evening. Access to the private reception can be gained by purchasing a ticket for $200. A Home Run Package of eight tickets can be purchased for $1,500.

The private reception will begin at 6 p.m. The rest of the evening, including the auctions, the dinner and the address by Williams, will begin at 7.

“We are excited that Mike has decided to help us celebrate the new season by speaking at what has become a phenomenal annual event,” Hughes said. “He represents Virginia Tech and southwestern Virginia very well, and he’s very popular in this area. He was the perfect choice for an event like this.”

Williams was a relief pitcher who had a 12-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1992 to 2003. He was a two-time National League all-star while a member of the Pirates, getting elected to the team in 2002 and 2003. In 2002, he finished third in the National League with 46 saves. For his career, he posted a record of 32-54 with 144 saves and a 4.45 earned run average. Williams pitched for the Hokies from 1988-90 and ranks fifth on the school’s all-time list in both wins (26) and innings pitched (298.1). He also holds the Tech record for most complete games in a season (12) and a career (22).

All proceeds of the banquet will go to Virginia Tech baseball and the Hokies’ efforts to improve various aspects of the program. The team has recently begun using the brand-new indoor baseball facility beyond the left-field foul pole at English Field, a facility that will be available for the team’s use year-round.

The Third Annual ‘Baseball Night in Blacksburg’

Featured speaker: Former Hokie and Major League all-star Mike Williams

Date: Friday, March 5, 2010

Time: Private reception – 6 p.m.; public portion – 7 p.m.

Where: Lane Stadium, west side stadium club

Adult tickets: $75

Youth tickets: (13-and-under): $35

Private reception: $200 per ticket, or a group of eight tickets for $1,500

For tickets and/or more info: VT baseball office – (540) 231-3671

Make checks payable to: Virginia Tech Baseball

Mail to: Virginia Tech Baseball, 210 Cassell Coliseum (0502), Blacksburg, VA 24061

For updates on Virginia Tech baseball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Baseball).