The 14th Annual Cedar Rapids Kernels Hot Stove Banquet, featuring guest speaker Bobby Grich, will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Cedar Rapids Crowne Plaza Five Season Hotel.The annual Hot Stove tradition, which dates back to 1997, is an opportunity for fans of the game to get together and talk baseball. It also provides a great opportunity to raise money to support the Kernels Foundation.
The Kernels are pleased to welcome Bobby Grich, former Major League infielder for 15 seasons, who will be the guest speaker at the banquet.
An excellent fielder with a surprisingly powerful bat, Bobby Grich was one of the AL's best all-around second basemen for over 15 seasons with the Orioles and Angels, earning All-Star recognition six times. The 6'2" 180-lb Grich was big for a middle infielder, but as a converted minor league shortstop he had plenty of range in the field, and he generated considerable power with a strong-wristed right-handed batting stroke.
Grich officially became an Angel on November 24, 1976. The native of Muskegon, MI concluded his Angels career with a .269 average in 1,222 games including 154 HR and 557 RBI. During his career, Grich compiled the following overall numbers: .266 average; 2,008 games; 6,890 at bats; 1,033 runs; 1,833 hits; 224 HR; and 864 RBI.
In 1980, he was the co-winner of the Owner's Trophy, symbolic of the club's Most Valuable Player as selected by the players. Grich retired following the American League Championship Series in 1986. He is one of only two Angels (Brian Downing being the other) to participate in each of the club's three Western Division Titles. He was also the first player elected to the Angels' Hall of Fame in 1996.
The 14th Annual Hot Stove Banquet will include silent and live auctions featuring sports memorabilia and local items as well as the induction of the Class of 2010 into the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame.
Proceeds from the event will help The Kernels Foundation accomplish its vision of ensuring that all youth in Eastern Iowa have the opportunity to experience athletic and recreational activities. For the last three summers The Kernels Foundation has been the sponsor of the baseball program at Jane Boyd Community House, a non-profit agency serving children and families. In addition to continuing its support of Jane Boyd, the foundation has shifted its focus since the June 2008 Flood to support organizations with youth programs get back on their feet. These include the Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids, the YMCA of the Greater Cedar Rapids Area, Taylor School, and the Jones Park Baseball Diamond Project.
Tickets for the banquet go on sale Monday, November 30th and are $37.50 in advance and $45 at the door with corporate tables seating 10 people available for $350. Tickets can be purchased at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium during regular business hours 9 AM to 5 PM, or by phone at 363-3887.
KCRG TV-9 and Cumulus Media stations KRNA, KHAK, KDAT and KRQN are proud media sponsors of the 14th Annual Hot Stove Banquet.
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