Ozzie Smith, George Brett, Bret Saberhagen, Vince Coleman and Luis Gonzalez Honored

New York: Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) will host its 20th annual “Going to Bat for B.A.T. Dinner” tonight,
honoring the memories of Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium.  Founded in 1986, B.A.T. is dedicated to
assisting members of the baseball family through financial grants, healthcare programs and
rehabilitative counseling.  More than $18 million in grants have been awarded to date, benefiting more
than 2,300 members of the baseball family.  

are supporting this year’s fundraising dinner,” said B.A.T. Executive Director and COO Jim Martin.  
“Their important contributions enable our organization to continue assisting those in need. This year
marks the 20th Annual dinner, and while there have been many exciting dinners that included Hall of
Famers Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams, this year’s line-up of players may be one of the most
memorable to date.”

ESPN broadcaster Gary Thorne will emcee the event at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel.  St.
Louis Cardinals’ Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson is the Dinner Chairman. Former members of various
Yankees and Mets Teams that are expected to attend include Whitey Ford, Willie Randolph, Graig
Nettles, and Chris Chambliss from the New York Yankees and Bud Harrelson, John Franco,
Cleon Jones, Rusty Staub, and Lee Mazzilli from the New York Mets.  

Two special awards are also given at the dinner each year, the Big BAT/Frank Slocum Award and
the Bart Giamatti Award.  Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith and George Brett, and former players Bret
Saberhagen and Vince Coleman, will be presented with the 2008 Big BAT/Frank Slocum Award for
incredible financial generosity to the B.A.T. organization. The foursome of former Major Leaguers
teamed up to win the Pro Sports Team Challenge and chose the B.A.T. organization as the beneficiary
charity.  The prize money of $100,000 will be instrumental in helping provide much needed assistance
to numerous members of the baseball family.  Veteran Major Leaguer Luis Gonzalez will be
recognized for his many community initiatives in programs such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Phoenix
Children’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society with the 2008 Bart Giamatti Award for best
exemplifying the compassion demonstrated by the late Baseball Commissioner.   
 
This year, more than 120 former and current players, including several members of the National
Baseball Hall of Fame, are expected to attend, including: Luis Aparicio, Orlando Cepeda, Juan
Marichal, Robin Roberts, Al Kaline, and Eddie Murray.  

At the “Going to Bat for B.A.T. Dinner,” fans are given the opportunity to interact with former Major
League Baseball players while raising money to assist members of the baseball family who have fallen
on hard times.  The night’s festivities include a cocktail hour in which attendees have the opportunity
to meet and obtain autographs from former players. Guests are seated with former players at each
table during the dinner and award presentations.  All proceeds from the dinner go to B.A.T.

B.A.T. was founded by former Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, a group of former players and Major
League Baseball.  In addition to assisting ex-Major League players, B.A.T. also offers support to former
Major League managers, coaches, scouts, umpires, front office personnel, Minor League players, Negro
League players, their widows and children and players from the Women’s Professional Baseball League.  
All aid provided by B.A.T. is strictly confidential, allowing those in the need to receive help discreetly.   

Through charitable contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals, B.A.T. strives to
provide a means of support to people who are unable to help themselves. B.A.T. is a 501-© 3
charitable organization.   

 For more information about B.A.T. or to make a donation please visit: http://www.baseballassistanceteam.com.

 

Media Contacts: Silvia Alvarez or Steve Arocho, Major League Baseball (212) 931-7878
 

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