Gulls Announce Alumni Reunion
February 25, 2015 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Newport Gulls News Release
NEWPORT, R.I. - The Gulls are being called back to the Nest.
The Newport Gulls, fresh off a 2014 championship and celebrating the team's 15th anniversary in the City by the Sea, are planning an alumni reunion this summer, and are calling on all former players, coaches, volunteers, host families, and the team's loyal fan base to save the date for what's certain to be a memorable weekend.
The Gulls Family Reunion kicks off on Friday, June 26, with a special Newport Gulls Reunion Night game vs. the Danbury Westerners at 6:35 p.m. Before the first pitch is thrown, all returning Gulls alumni will be honored on the field, with pregame festivities beginning at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, June 27, the entire Gulls organization and extended family will meet for a "Summer Hot Stove" dinner and auction at the Newport Marriott. That night, while Gulls family members past and present reminisce and rejoice, the Newport Gulls will announce the team's 2016 Hall of Fame Class, and unveil plans for a major renovation of historic Cardines Field.
Fans can mingle with Gulls stars of the past - and the present, as the 2015 team will have an off day for this special event. Former players and coaches are invited to attend a private reception at 5 p.m., and doors open for all attendees at 6 p.m. In addition to a live and silent auction, the evening will feature hors d'oeuvres, food, and a cash bar, as well as a video presentation celebrating the team's 15 years of success in Newport.
Team President and General Manager Chuck Paiva, who has been with the organization since 2001, stressed that all former members of the Gulls family across the country are encouraged to flock back to Newport this June.
"The tradition of the Gulls transcends through every team that's played in Newport," Paiva said. "We want all of our players to return and celebrate our organization's unprecedented success."
With former and current players, coaches, host families, volunteers, staff, and fans in attendance, the event is sure to sell out quickly. Tickets for the Saturday event are $50, and go on sale Monday, March 30 via newportgulls.com.
Since 2005, the Gulls have held an annual "Hot Stove Dinner and Auction" in the winter months to raise funds to support the organization. In 2010, 2012, and 2014, the Hot Stove was combined with the Gulls Hall of Fame Induction; this year's reunion event will be the first of its kind, and will mark the first time the annual fundraiser will be held in the summer.
The event will likewise raise funds to support the nonprofit organization's operations, however, Paiva stressed that bringing the Gulls family back together for a first-ever alumni reunion is his biggest goal.
"This is an event that's been years in the making," he said. "So many of our players have told us their time in Newport was the summer of their lives. This June, they'll have an opportunity to come back to Cardines Field and this city that has supported us for 15 years, and once again create special memories with the Newport Gulls family."
"The history we've built here has been outstanding," said Paiva. "We can't wait to honor the players who made each and every summer here so memorable, and welcome them all back home."
More information will be released as the date for the event approaches, including a keynote guest speaker. Details will be announced via the team's website, newportgulls.com, and via additional media advisories.
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New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from February 25, 2015
- Gulls Announce Alumni Reunion - Newport Gulls
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