PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Dave Dravecky, Mark Gardner Round Out Hot Stove Lineup

Published on January 22, 2010 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


FRESNO, CA - Former San Francisco Giants pitchers Dave Dravecky and Mark Gardner have been announced as the final guests for the 49th Annual Hot Stove Banquet. The February 4th event, benefiting the Grizzlies Community Fund, will also feature top Giants prospect Buster Posey, new Grizzlies manager Steve Decker and awards presented to several of the Valley's top baseball and softball athletes and coaches.

Dravecky had an eight-year Major League career, spending his final two and-a-half seasons with the Giants. He is best known for his inspirational return to the mound a year after contracting cancer in his pitching arm. He won his first two starts after his comeback before further injury forced him to retire. A National League All-Star in 1983, Dravecky finished his career 64-57 with a 3.13 ERA in 226 appearances (146 starts). Since retirement he has become a published author, and now tours the country as a motivational speaker.

Gardner is a Clovis High School and Fresno State graduate entering his eighth season as a member of the Giants coaching staff. He spent the final six seasons of his 13-year Major League career in San Francisco, winning 11 or more games four times during that span. In 2001, Gardner was voted by teammates and staff as the "Willie Mac" Award winner, given to the most inspirational player on the team.

The annual charitable event is scheduled for Thursday, February 4th, with the evening's activities slated to begin with a VIP Reception at 5:30pm- featuring current and former MLB players, local high school and college coaches and Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame members- at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Doors will open to the general public at 6:15pm. Tickets are $60 for adults, $30 for children, and $550 to reserve a table of ten, with all proceeds benefiting the Grizzlies Community Fund and its efforts within the community. For ticket information, please call Danielle Witt at 559.320.2547.

An awards presentation will also highlight the Hot Stove Banquet as honors will be presented to baseball and softball standouts from across the Valley. Categories will include Male and Female Player of the Year, Team of the Year, and Coach of the Year. The Al Radka award, celebrating an individual that has made a contribution to the community through the game of baseball, will be presented for the 8th time at this year's Hot Stove. Radka started the Fresno Hot Stove Banquet over 50 years ago and the award was created as a testament to his vision.

Both silent and live auctions benefiting the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund will also be a part of the festivities. All proceeds of the event will go towards the Grizzlies' non-profit organization, which was created to assist, reward and support the Valley community. The Grizzlies Community Fund benefits hundreds of local charity and non-profit groups and has created several of its own community programs including Wild About Reading, Swing for Kids and the Junior Grizzlies- a non-competitive baseball league for children with mental and physical disabilities.

Check out the Fresno Grizzlies Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from January 22, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central