The Fountain

Baseball hall of famer Rich “Goose” Gossage is on campus today.

Gossage, known as one of the greatest closers in the history of baseball, will be in town for a series of events through Saturday.

The first chance to see him is at 6 p.m. today at a tailgate party and silent auction at Bear Stadium. Admission is $20 and includes live entertainment, free food and the opportunity to meet Gossage. Items in the silent auction include autographed Yankees memorabilia and tickets to a St. Louis Cardinals game.

On Friday, Gossage will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Bears baseball team’s series against the Northwestern State Demons. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. and the first 200 people to enter the stadium will get a free Goose Gossage T-shirt. Gossage also will be signing copies of his book, The Goose is Loose. There is a fireworks show after the game.

Gossage will attend the Breakfast of Champions at New Life Church, 633 S. Country Club Road, Saturday. The event starts at 8 a.m. and tickets are $30 for one adult and one child. Each additional child is another $10. Everyone under the age of 14 will receive a gift bag with an autographed baseball, coupons and other small items. Gossage will speak about his experiences as a professional baseball player.

Rich "Goose" Gossage

Gossage played for 22 seasons with nine teams, including the New York Yankees. Gossage was a nine-time all-star and finished his career with 310 saves, 1,502 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.01. He was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Tickets for the events can be purchased by calling 501-450-3150.