Bud's 'Leon' to pitch for Flyers
May 5, 2005 - Northern League (NL)
Schaumburg Flyers News Release
SCHAUMBURG, IL- Nigel Thatch, the actor who portrays the prima donna athlete ‘Leon’ in a series of Budweiser television commercials, has signed a contract to play minor league baseball with the Schaumburg Flyers Baseball Club.
The Flyers play in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in the independent Northern League.
Thatch’s ‘Leon’ character exploded on the national scene last September alongside Fox sportscaster Joe Buck. A former college pitcher at Florida, the actor is seeking a new challenge in professional baseball this summer.
"IÂ’ve been playing baseball since I was six years old," said Thatch, a native of East St. Louis, IL. "Everyone who knew me when I was growing up knew me as someone that loved baseball and sports. My acting career took things in a different direction but IÂ’m more settled now and this was an opportunity to follow my heart."
In addition to his work on the Budweiser spots, Thatch has had a recurring role on the television series "American Dreams", receiving past Emmy consideration for his role as Willie Johnson. He has also starred in the action comedy film "L.A. Twister" and "The Player’s Club". Other TV credits include appearances in NYPD Blue, Half & Half, Girlfriends, Moesha, 7th Heaven, The Parent ‘Hood and Beverly Hills, 90210. The actor resides in the Los Angeles area.
Thatch will join the team for spring training tomorrow at Alexian Field, the Flyers’ home stadium in Schaumburg. He will make his professional debut on Wednesday, May 11 in the ‘Flyers Diamond Dare’, an exhibition game against a Chicago men’s league team at Alexian Field (7:05 PM).
The Flyers will open their seventh Northern League season on Friday, May 20 with the home opener set for Tuesday, May 24. The club is seeking its third straight playoff appearance under Manager Andy McCauley.
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Northern League Stories from May 5, 2005
- Cracker-Cats Announce Training Camp Schedule - Edmonton Capitals
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- Bud's 'Leon' to pitch for Flyers - Schaumburg Flyers
- JackHammers strike Gold - Joliet JackHammers
- JackHammers adding on - Joliet JackHammers
- RedHawks re-sign Peschel, add Adams to roster - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
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