Hall of Famer coming
Special guest is Bob Gibson
Some years, Tri-State Hot Stove League Vice President Paul Gries pulls his hair out trying to land a high-profile athlete as a special guest for the Night of Memories fundraiser for youth sports.
Not this year. Gries already has landed St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson, former Cardinals relief pitcher and current Cardinals television broadcaster Al Hrabosky and Evansville native and former Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes for the 11th annual Night of Memories, which will take place Feb. 6 at the Vanderburgh 4-H Center.
“We’re way ahead of the game this year,” Gries said.
Gibson, Hrabosky and Benes will join Jamey Carroll, a Castle High School graduate and Cleveland Indians second baseman; Clint Barmes, a Vincennes Lincoln graduate and Colorado Rockies second baseman; plus Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly and Dodgers minor league outfielder Preston Mattingly, among others.
“We’re really excited because of Bob Gibson,” Gries said. “It’s kind of like Yogi Berra coming to Evansville, being the Hall of Famer that he is. You look at his resume and it’s kind of unbelievable some of the things that he has done in his career.”
Gibson, who was elected to the Hall in 1981, lifted the Cardinals to World Series titles in 1964 and ’67.
He was an eight-time All-Star, a two-time Cy Young winner and a member of Major League Baseball’s All-Century Team.
“The other thing is the local fan base for the St. Louis Cardinals is huge,” Gries said. “I think there are going to be a lot of people coming out and wanting his autograph. I think it’s going to be a big night for us. I think we’re going to be able to raise a lot of money for the community.”
Two years ago, the Hot Stove League donated $50,000 to put up a Habitat for Humanity home, which it also helped build.
This year, Don Mattingly and Carroll helped the Hot Stove League receive a $75,000 grant through the Major League Baseball fund to refurbish the Boys and Girls Club baseball field.
The Hot Stove League, which has already put $12,500 toward the field, must raise a total of $75,000 to match the Major League Baseball fund by Jan. 1.
“There are several other places that will donate some money,” Gries said. “I’m pretty sure we will be able to get the $75,000 within the next month and we will be able to make that field look really nice within the next eight to 12 months.”
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