Jan. 19, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Head coach Daron Schoenrock and the University of Memphis baseball program are proud to announce that best-selling novelist John Grisham will be the featured speaker at the 2007 Meet the Tigers Banquet at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn, located at 3700 Central Avenue, on Feb. 16--just four days before the Tigers are scheduled to open the 2007 slate at Ole Miss, who has been ranked as high as 11th in the Rivals.com preseason baseball poll. Festivities will begin at 7 p.m.

Sponsored by the University of Memphis Bullpen Club, an address from Grisham will highlight an evening that will include dinner, preseason comments from Schoenrock and an introduction of the 2007 Tiger roster.

Grisham will discuss his newest release and first piece of non-fiction literature--The Innocent Man--as well as his greatest passion, the game of baseball.

"It is a tremendous honor to our program for John (Grisham) to take time out of his busy schedule to spend an evening with us," said Schoenrock. "This will be a special night for Tiger Baseball."

A native of Southaven, Miss., Grisham has written 18 best-selling novels since 1988, nine of which have been turned into films. Grisham showed his love for baseball in his 2001 novel A Painted House and also wrote the original screenplay for and produced the baseball movie Mickey. In addition, he has actively supported Little League in Oxford, Miss., and Charlottesville, Va.

Grisham wrote the original screenplay for and produced the baseball movie Mickey.

Individual tickets are available for $100. Corporate sponsorships, consisting of a table of 10 and name recognition on the table and in the program, are being sold for $1000. Corporate partner packages can be purchased for $5000. This package includes a private reception with the world-renowned author from 6 p.m.-7 p.m., as well as name recognition on the table and in the program, an autographed copy of The Innocent Man, photographs and premium seating.

To purchase tickets or reserve corporate tables for this prestigious event, call the University of Memphis ticket office at (901) 678-2331 or (901) 678-4573. Business attire is preferred.