Evening With The Z's guest list widens

The Zephyrs have announced additional guests for the team's annual hot stove event, "Evening With The Zephyrs," to be held Wednesday, January 23 from 7-9 p.m. at the Chateau Golf & Country Club in Kenner.

Among the speakers will be Zephyrs manager Ron Hassey, who in 2012 guided the Z's to their winning season in five years. Last week, it was announced that Hassey, along with coaches Damon Minor and Charlie Corbell, would be returning to New Orleans in 2013.

Former LSU Tiger and current Miami Marlins prospect Austin Nola will also be in attendance. A member of LSU's 2009 national championship team, Nola was the Tigers' starting shortstop for four years before being drafted by the Marlins in the fifth round in 2012.

Also appearing at the event will be Marlins Vice President of Player Personnel Marty Scott, who managed the Zephyrs during the second half of the 2008 season. Scott will discuss potential roster candidates for the 2013 Zephyrs.

New Orleans Professional Baseball Hall of Famer Kirk Bullinger will be on hand to help induct his older brother Jim into the NOPB Hall of Fame's Class of 2013. Kirk, whose 2.48 ERA with the Zephyrs from 2002-04 ranks first in club history, was inducted into the Hall in 2009.

Tickets to the event are still available to the public at $35 for individual tickets and $120 for a group of four. The ticket price includes food and drinks for all attendees, as well as musical entertainment and a chance to meet the program of Marlins and Zephyrs speakers. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the New Orleans Zephyrs at (504) 734-5155.