Branch B. Rickey to Speak at Fresno Grizzlies Hot Stove Gala Tomorrow Night
February 10, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies have announced Pacific Coast League President Branch B. Rickey has been added to the list of guest speakers at the organization's Hot Stove Gala event this Thursday evening at the Fresno Convention Center's New Exhibit Hall in Downtown Fresno. The event begins at 5 p.m.
The defending Pacific Coast League and Triple-A National Champions welcome the President of the PCL since 1997 to round out the speakers at the 55th Anniversary Edition of Hot Stove, someone with deep family ties to some of the most significant and formative decisions in baseball history.
Rickey's grandfather, Branch Rickey, is enshrined as an executive in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The elder Rickey is best remembered for signing Jackie Robinson in 1947 as General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking baseball's longstanding color barrier. He's also credited with the founding of baseball's "farm system," which established minor league affiliations and levels as we know them today. Branch Rickey is also credited with innovations we take for granted today, such as spring training and the protective batting helmet.
The younger Rickey served as President of the Triple-A American Association beginning in 1991, and was elected President of the Pacific Coast League in 1997 when Triple-A realigned from three leagues to two. Prior to his involvement in Minor League Baseball, Branch B. Rickey spent over 20 years as an executive in Major League Baseball. Prior posts included overseeing player development for the Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds.
"Our Hot Stove Gala is truly complete with the addition of Mr. Rickey to the festivities," said Fresno Grizzlies General Manager Derek Franks, who will also speak at the event. "Coming off of our first championship, I'm sure everyone in attendance will be eager to hear about the future of the PCL, and the name 'Branch Rickey' and everything it means for baseball history always commands any room of baseball fans," Franks continued.
Adding Rickey to the list of speakers improves an already star-studded event. Longtime MLB manager and TV analyst Bobby Valentine will be the keynote speaker; Valentine was the game analyst on NBC Sports Network's coverage of Fresno's win over Columbus in the Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game in El Paso last September. Pitcher James Hoyt and catcher Tyler Heineman, who combined on the championship-clinching out will also speak at the event, along with their Manager Tony DeFrancesco, who is returning to manage the Grizzlies as they prepare to defend their titles in 2016.
The Hot Stove Gala benefits the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that manages community programs such as Wild About Reading, Farm Grown and Junior Grizzlies. Tickets are still available for the dinner. In addition to guest speakers from the world of baseball, awards to local high schools and high school players will be presented. The Al Radka Award will also be announced and presented during the dinner. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for children (12 and under). An All-Star Table (includes 10 tickets) is available for $700 and space is limited. To purchase tickets, please RSVP by calling Grizzlies Community Fund Director Whitney Campbell at (559) 320-2547 or by visiting www.FresnoGrizzlies.com.
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