Bills Linebacker Joe Andreessen to Throw Opening Day First Pitch for Bisons
Buffalo Joe Andreessen, the undrafted Bills linebacker from Depew who made HBO's Hard Knocks, will throw the Bisons' first pitch on March 27 — the earliest opener in 141 seasons.
Joe "Buffalo Joe" Andreessen will walk to the mound at Sahlen Field on Friday, March 27 to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Buffalo Bisons' Opening Day against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the team announced March 16. First pitch for the actual game is scheduled for 1:05 p.m., when the Herd opens a three-game series against the RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.
The selection of Andreessen carries particular weight in a city where his story is well known. A Depew native and Lancaster High School graduate, Andreessen played college football at the University at Buffalo before joining the Bills before the 2024 season as an undrafted free agent. He earned a spot on the active roster out of training camp that year and was named to the NFL's All-Preseason Team during the 2024 preseason. Over two seasons with the Bills, he has appeared in 30 games and totaled 61 tackles. His profile grew further when his hometown story was featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" documentary series covering the 2025 Bills.
The March 27 opener is also historically significant for the franchise itself: it will be the earliest the Herd has taken the field in the team's 141 seasons.
Gates open at noon for Opening Day, an hour before first pitch, with a 2026 Magnetic Schedule Giveaway available upon entry. A pregame Resurgence Brewing Happy Hour at the Fattey Beer Craft Corner runs from 12 to 1 p.m., with craft beers priced at $4. The first 1,000 kids through the Swan Street gate receive a Kids Eat Free voucher covering a hot dog, soda, and cotton candy. As part of Kids Month, the team is offering $10 tickets for children 14 and under at the box office. The Opening Weekend games on March 28 and 29 also include the Kids Eat Free giveaway, with all three games scheduled for a 1:05 p.m. first pitch.
Tickets for the series are on sale at Bisons.com and the Sahlen Field Box Office, with a 20% discount for advance purchases. The Bisons can also be reached at (716) 846-2000.
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