Danbury Westerners Former MVP, World Series Champion to Speak at Celebrity Breakfast
March 3, 2016 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Danbury Westerners News Release
DANBURY, CT (March 3): The Danbury Westerners, the longest tenured team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, are proud to announce that they will be having their 22nd Annual Celebrity Breakfast on June 10th at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, CT. The Annual Celebrity Breakfast welcomes the 2016 Danbury Westerners to the greater Western Connecticut community, led by new field manager and current pitching coach at Bridgeport University, Josh Parrow. In addition, the Westerners are thrilled to announce that the 1977 National League Most Valuable Player, two-time World Series Champion and former New England League Baseball Commissioner ("NECBL") George Foster will be the keynote speaker.
Over his 18 year long career, Foster spent time with several organizations including the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and the Chicago White Sox. Foster slugged 348 home runs during his illustrious career, and was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1977. A five time All-Star, Foster is perhaps best known as a part of the "Big Red Machine," which won back-to-back World Series titles in 1975-1976. After Foster retired in 1986 he remained active in baseball, and was a founding member of the NECBL in 1993. Foster also served as the inaugural commissioner of the NECBL.
Paul Schaffer, President of the Danbury Westerners, commented, " George Foster is one of the most successful baseball players to play the sport. George was a key member of the Cincinnati Reds "Big Red Machine" which won the World Series in 1975 and 1976, but many fans may not know that he was instrumental in the formation of the NECBL, and served as the League's first commissioner. On behalf of the Danbury Westerners, I'm thrilled that George will be speaking at this year's breakfast.
At the Breakfast the Westerners will once again present the annual Michael Seri Award in honor of the late Michael Seri, for perpetuating community partnerships, dedication and sportsmanship on behalf of the Danbury Westerners. The first recipient in 2009 was Mr. Seri. Other past honorees include Bart Busterna, Mary Ann Frede, Richard Reimold, Gene Eriquez, Charlie Coakley, Chris Arconti, Bill Pullan, Chris Miller and Terry Whalen.
Seating is limited. Reservations are required. Tables of 10 for this event are $350, and can be secured online at www.danburywesterners.com or by mail to PO Box 3828, Danbury CT 06813. Sponsorship opportunities are available; for additional information please contact Paul Schaffer at 203-241-4655.
About George Foster
Over his 18 year career, George Foster spent time with several organizations including the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and the Chicago White Sox. As an outfielder who mostly played left and center field, Foster spent the majority of his years (11) with the Reds and was a part of the "Big Red Machine," which won back -to-back World Series titles in 1975-1976.
A year later in 1977, Foster was named the National League Most Valuable Player, reaching a career high of 52 home runs, 149 runs batted in, and a .320 batting average. His prominent power hitting permanently placed him among baseball's hitting elite. Foster's performance reached its peak in the mid to late 1970's as he had four straight All -Star game appearances from 1976-1979, and then a fifth and final appearance in 1981. Also in 1981, Foster took home the coveted Silver Slugger award, cementing his place in baseball history as one of the most feared right-handed hitters of the decade.
Foster continued to play baseball until retiring in 1986. He completed his career with 1,925 hits, 348 home runs, 1,239 runs batted in, and a career .284 batting average. As a true sign of his accomplishments and recognition of his prominent place with the Cincinnati Reds, he was voted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2003. Foster remains in the top 100 all-time in home runs in baseball history.
Despite the MVP, All-Star game awards, and World Series Championships, Foster will always be known for his role on the 1975 World Championship Reds, whose legendary lineup went down in history as the "Great Eight". Under the leadership of former head coach George "Sparky" Anderson, the team's famous lineup including the likes of Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez, as well as Pete Rose, Ken Griffey Sr., Dave Concepcion and Cesar Geronimo. Foster was a large part of that team and will be forever remembered by baseball fans as a cog in "The Big Red Machine," and a King of "The Big Red Dynasty."
After Foster's playing career ended he remained active in baseball, and in 1993 helped form the NECBL, becoming the League's first Commissioner.
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