Big League Challenge tickets go on sale

Monday, Jan. 22, 2001 | 1:17 a.m.

Tickets for the 2001 Big League Challenge, a home run hitting contest featuring 12 of Major League Baseball's top sluggers, went on sale this morning.

On Saturday an Sunday, Feb. 10-11, Anaheim's Jose Canseco returns to Cashman Field to defend his crown against a group of hitters who averaged 43 homers last season.

Leading the way is Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants, who last year hit a career-high 49 home runs. Other top seeds are Troy Glaus of Anaheim (47 homers), Richard Hidalgo of Houston (44) and Gary Sheffield of Los Angeles (43). Rounding out the field are Oakland's Jason Giambi (43), the White Sox's Frank Thomas (43), Texas' Rafael Palmeiro (39) and the New York Mets' Mike Piazza (38).

Tickets can be purchased at all Las Vegas area TicketMaster outlets. The tickets are priced as follows: preliminary round -- $15 field/plaza seating, $6 general admission; quarterfinal round -- $20 field/plaza, $9 general admission; semifinal and final rounds -- $25 field/plaza, $10 general admission.