Manager Tony DeFrancesco to speak at 55th annual Hot Stove Gala on Feb. 11th
FRESNO, Calif. - The 55th annual Hot Stove Gala, featuring Fresno Grizzlies Manager Tony DeFrancesco as guest speaker, is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 at 5 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall III at the Fresno Convention Center in Downtown Fresno.
DeFrancesco led the Grizzlies to their first-ever Pacific Coast League and Triple-A National Championships in his first year with the ball club, where the franchise picked up its first division title since its inaugural 1998 season. His contributions to the team's outstanding success were more than enough for him to receive "Baseball America" Minor League Manager of the Year honors in what was his 21st season as a manager. With DeFrancesco on board, the 2015 Grizzlies only spent a single day below the .500-mark, put together a winning record in each month of the season, and became the first club in all of Triple-A Baseball to secure their division, thanks to a 19-1 record to begin the month of August. The 2015 campaign was DeFrancesco's first full season back as manager of the Astros' Triple-A affiliate after overcoming cancer in 2014. DeFrancesco will be joined at the Hot Stove Gala by Grizzlies catcher Tyler Heineman and pitcher James Hoyt, both of whom made the final play in Game 5 of the PCL Championship, thus clenching the title.
"The Fresno Grizzlies' 2015 season could not have turned out to be more perfect," said Grizzlies Manager Derek Franks. "Not only did our team capture the Triple-A National Championship, but Manager Tony DeFrancesco was named 'Baseball America' Minor League Manager of the Year. We look forward to continue celebrating these accomplishments, as well as the exciting legacy of baseball in the Central Valley, at the 55th annual Hot Stove Gala in February."
The evening's festivities will include an awards ceremony honoring Central Valley athletes. The recipients are named below.
Award Recipients:
Gus Zernial Male Player Of The Year - Matt Frazier, Clovis North High School Baseball
Gus Zernial Female Player Of The Year - Gianna Mancha, Central High School Softball
Team Of The Year - Buchanan High School Baseball
Al Radka Award Winner - Mike Noakes, Bullard High School Coach - winningest high school ever in this area
The Al Radka Award was established in 2003 when the Fresno Grizzlies brought back the Hot Stove tradition after a 14-year hiatus. Radka was the creator and long-time host of the Fresno Hot Stove League Dinner.
In the 32 years (1948-1979) that he ran the event, the attendance grew from 600 to 2,600 guests. Speakers included: Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Johnny Bench. The Fresno Grizzlies created this award in recognition of Al Radka's dedication to the event. The Al Radka Award recognizes an individual who gives back to the Fresno community through baseball.
The 55th annual Hot Stove Gala is being held Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 5 p.m. in the New Exhibit Hall III at the Fresno Convention Center in Downtown Fresno. 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 currently 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 http://bit.ly/HotStove55thTix.