Mike Matheny event sparked by a read

JACKSON, Tenn. – Don’t be alarmed if you see an influx of St. Louis Cardinals fans in Jackson on Friday.

No, there isn’t a game going on at the Ballpark at Jackson. The reason for the sea of red actually has nothing to do with baseball.

The Red Birds manager Mike Matheny is speaking at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on the behalf of Special Needs Athletics.

“I wrote to him [Mike Matheny] one day and heard back from his folks a couple days later,” said Michael Richerson, the founder of SNA. “It’s kind of been smooth sailing from there. He’s been easy to work with.”

Matheny’s “first trip” to Jackson was ignited by a book.

“I’m not a big reader myself, but when I read the Matheny Manifesto — I read it from front to cover in the matter of days,” Richerson said. “It just had me engrossed with his philosophy as well as his coaching and faith.”

Richerson is expecting a warm welcome for the Cardinals skipper.

He’s surprised that his organization is bringing a beloved baseball icon to West Tennessee.

“I never would have imagined Special Needs Athletics would have come this far and this quick,” Richerson said. “For it to start with roughly 40 players back in 2009, and now we serve over 350 athletes in various sports.

“It’s really just blown me away.”

An Evening with Mike Matheny begins at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. There will be a meet and greet portion at 5 :30 p.m. and a silent auction.

Tickets can be bought online here or at the door.