Celebrate opening day at Niles Meijer with former Cub Lee Smith

From t-shirts to hot dog buns to tailgate coolers, Meijer has you covered as you prepare for the upcoming 2011 Major League Baseball® season in Chicago. Kicking off the season with a guaranteed “home run” event, Meijer is hosting Play Ball on April 2, 2011, from 11 AM to 2 PM, where customers can sample baseball-themed food and get free baseball themed giveaways! Though the event takes place at all thirteen Chicagoland area Meijer stores, Meijer in Niles will have special guest and former Chicago Cub Lee Smith at their store, located at 9000 W. Golf Road, to meet and greet with guests and sign autographs from 11 AM to 1 PM. Known as being a dominant closing pitcher in Major League Baseball, Lee Smith was a second round draft pick for the Chicago Cubs in 1975. He was called up to the major league in 1980 and went on to save more than 30 games per season for the Cubs during the years of 1985, 1986 and 1987.

Meijer team members will be playing games and handing out great prizes (including mini-baseballs and baseball cards!) to customers throughout the event. Conjuring a ballpark atmosphere, Meijer is offering $1 Meijer Hot Dog Meal Deal, which includes a hot dog, chips and a Meijer soda. Meijer is a proud sponsor of the Chicago Cubs.