A's shortstop to speak at banquet Jan. 22
1/3/2011 3:00:00 PM | Baseball
The annual fundraising event for the Bearkat baseball program will be held Saturday, January 22, at the Lowman Student Center ballroom.
The event begins with the annual baseball silent auction and social hour with a cash bar at 6 p.m. Dinner starts at 7 p.m.
"Cliff Pennington is an energetic and passionate baseball player who the fans will love," Sam Houston head coach Mark Johnson said. "This will be a fun evening with good food and fellowship. Plus the silent auction is our major baseball fundraiser with an opportunity to bid on a host of great items."
| Past "Meet the Players" Night Special Guests |
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| Nolan Ryan - 2007 |
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| Hunter Pence - 2008 |
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| Buck Showalter - 2009 |
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| Brad Mills - 2010 |
Pennington is a graduate of Corpus Christi Carroll High School and Texas A&M. He was ranked as the fourth best defensive shortstop in Major League Baseball in 2010.
The shortstop is the latest in a group of outstanding speakers at the dinner. Previous guests have included Nolan Ryan in 2007, Hunter Pence in 2008, Buck Showalter in 2009 and Brad Mills in 2010.
This year's list of items available in the auction is the best yet.
Last year's auction included autographed and framed jerseys from Stan Musial and Nolan Ryan. Also up for auction are signed baseballs and photos of Hank Aaron, Yogi Berra, Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Warren Spahn and Muhammad Ali.
"This will be a special night of fellowship, entertainment and great food," said head coach Mark Johnson. "This is always such a fabulous event and a great way for us to kick off the new season. Plus, fans have the opportunity to go home with a great items from our auction with their bids going to help raise funds for the continued success of our program."
Tickets can be purchased as a table of nine for $400, a couple for $100 or $75 per person. Please contact Rhonda Curry by e-mail at rcurry@shsu.edu, call at 936-294-4205 or stop by the Mafrige Fieldhouse in Room 301.
The Baseball season gets underway on Friday, February 18 when the Bearkats travel to New Orleans, La., for a three-game weekend series with Tulane.
Sam Houston's home opener at Don Sanders Stadium is Tuesday, February 22, when the Bearkats play host to Houston Baptist at 6:30 p.m.
The 2011 Bearkat baseball team will feature a blend of top returning players and talented newcomers.
Two preseason All-Southland Conference players, infielder Braeden Riley and outfielder Chris Andreas, return to lead the team.
Three of the last four years, Sam Houston State University has represented the Southland Conference in the NCAA Regionals. The 2011 team is primed for another exciting season.
"We had a great fall practice and everyone is looking forward to the coming season," Johnson said.
Ticket information for Sam Houston baseball is available online at www.gobearkats.com/tickets or by visiting the Bearkat athletic ticket office at the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ticket office telephone is (936) 294-1729.
