Ferrous and FeFe Launch "Occupy Ryno"

In an effort to retain Ryne Sandberg as manager of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in 2012, IronPigs mascots FeRROUS and FeFe are offering a year's supply of free pork to Sandberg should he return for a second season as the IronPigs' skipper. The mascots also launched an "Occupy Ryno" campaign on Facebook and Twitter issuing fans with the following question: What would you give up to keep Ryne Sandberg as IronPigs manager?

"Ryno is one of the best managers in baseball and we feel as if we are one of the best teams," quipped FeRROUS' translator. "We are making a plea to our passionate fans to help bring Ryne Sandberg back to the Lehigh Valley in 2012!"

The best and most creative submissions on Facebook and Twitter will be eligible to win various prizes from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, including a Ryne Sandberg autographed baseball and tickets to Opening Day against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees on Thursday, April 5, 2012, at Coca-Cola Park. Fans can also send "Occupy Ryno" photos to [email protected] and the top photos will be posted on Facebook and Twitter and also be eligible to win.

With Sandberg at the helm of the IronPigs in 2011, the club set a franchise record with 80 wins while advancing to the International League post-season for the first time in club history. Prior to Sandberg's arrival the team went just 184-247 (.427) during their first three campaigns in the Lehigh Valley.

A 2005 inductee to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Sandberg was a 10-time National League All-Star and won nine Gold Gloves and seven Silver Slugger awards during his 16-year career (1981-94, 1996-97). He was originally drafted by the Phillies in 1978 and made his Major League debut with the club in 1981, appearing in 13 games. Sandberg finished his career with a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBI and 344 stolen bases in 2,164 games. At the time of his retirement, his 277 home runs as a second baseman was a Major League record.

"Like" the IronPigs on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lhvironpigs and follow the team on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ironpigs to be eligible to win and also receive breaking news, Good Shepherd Major League rehab information, weather updates and much more.

Season tickets and mini plans for the 2012 IronPigs season presented by Capital BlueCross are on sale now by calling 610) 841-PIGS or visiting Coca-Cola Park's ticket office during normal business hours.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are dedicated to providing family-friendly entertainment and are the only Minor League team to offer bubbles to fans entering the AT&T Plaza and balloons for all children exiting Coca-Cola Park.