INDIANA, Pa. – IUP baseball head coach Anthony Rebyanski and Altoona Curve manager Mike Ryan are looking for the saying, "third time is a charm," to hold true in 2019. The Crimson Hawks and Pittsburgh Pirates Double-A affiliate have had their highly anticipated scheduled exhibition game canceled the previous two years due inclement weather. 

"Weather has not been kind to us the previous two attempts to hold our exhibition game against the Curve," said Rebyanski. "Both Mike and I hope that this year will be different. This game will allow our student-athletes to compete against professional athletes in one of the best minor league facilities in the country, along with giving the Curve the opportunity for one last tune up before opening their season later that week."

Mike Ryan, a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania, is hoping for the same results.

"This is the third time we've tried to get this exhibition game going, and I believe that the third time is the charm," said Ryan. "To have the opportunity to play against hungry and energetic players is so valuable to our team. I am honored that Anthony has agreed to give us this opportunity."

The exhibition game is slated for Monday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m. at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona, Pa. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m. Pitchers used in the game will be exclusively from Altoona's roster, as the IUP hitters will get the chance to face minor league pitching in a professional stadium. IUP will also play its usual infield and outfield behind Curve pitching.

"I'm sure that this game can and will help Anthony with future recruiting, as I would like to make this game a tradition for many years to come," added Ryan. "IUP baseball carries a very rich tradition and we are honored to be a part of that tradition for a day."

RELATED Peoples Natural Gas Field

"I want to thank Mike, the Altoona Curve and Pittsburgh Pirates for giving our student-athletes this wonderful opportunity once again this year," added Rebyanski.

About Mike Ryan
Curve manager Mike Ryan graduated from Indiana High School in 1996 and was a fifth-round pick of the Minnesota Twins that same year. He spent 15 seasons in professional baseball, splitting time with the Twins, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and then Florida Marlins and Los Angeles Angels. Ryan reached the Major League level on several occasions with the Twins and Angels.

RELATED Mike Ryan Baseball Reference Bio

After completing his professional playing career, Ryan began coaching in the minor leagues. He has spent time with the West Virginia Power (South Atlantic League, 2013-2014), Bradenton Pirates (Florida State League, 2015-2016) and the Altoona Curve (Eastern League, 2017 to present). Of his six years as a skipper in professional baseball, he has won two championships, one in Bradenton and one in Altoona. Ryan has an overall managerial win/loss record of 432-395.

Game Day Information
Location: Peoples Natural Gas Field
               1000 Park Avenue, #1
               Altoona, Pa. 16602
Admission: FREE
Gates Open: 12:30 p.m.
First Pitch: 1:30 p.m.

Follow
For up-to-date game information, visit www.IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP baseball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPBaseball.