Len Bourdet To Receive Al Radka Award
Born in Hollister, CA in 1926, Bourdet served with the 96th Infantry Division in World War II before beginning his career in baseball. When Bourdet returned home after the war, he played parts of four seasons in the minor leagues, including stints in Visalia in 1951 and Stockton in 1954. A shortstop, he lost out by one vote for the 1952 Northern League All-Star team to Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.
While in college, Bourdet played under legendary Fresno State coach Pete Beiden, and went on to compile an esteemed coaching career spanning four decades. He spent his first three coaching seasons with Sequoia Junior High and Longfellow Junior High before moving to Fresno City College. Once there, he compiled 722 career wins, and led City College to four state championships, including three in a row from 1961-63. Bourdet also captured 15 conference titles in his 31-year tenure at the helm with the Rams. He coached future Major Leaguers Tom Seaver, Dick Selma, Jim Maloney, and Mark Gardner, among others.
"We couldn't be more excited to have the chance to honor Coach Bourdet with this year's award," said Grizzlies President Chris Cummings. "His lifelong commitment to the game of baseball in our community exemplifies the spirit in which this tribute was created."
The Grizzlies established the Al Radka Award in recognition of Radka's dedication to the event. The award recognizes an individual who gives back to the Fresno community through baseball and was established in 2003 when the Grizzlies brought back the Hot Stove tradition to Fresno after a 14-year hiatus. Radka was the creator and long-time host of the Fresno Hot Stove League Dinner. In the 32 years that he ran the event, from 1948 to 1979, the attendance grew from 600 to 2,600 guests. He attracted some of the greatest names in baseball to volunteer to speak, such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Gene Autry and more.
The winners of the 2011 Hot Stove Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, Female Player of the Year and Male Player of the Year will all be announced the night of the event.
The 50th Anniversary Hot Stove Gala, presented by Tecate and ABC 30, will also feature Giants legends Will Clark and Matt Williams, Giants bullpen coach Mark Gardner and Grizzlies manager Steve Decker, as well as a visit from the Giants World Champions Trophy. All proceeds from the sold out event benefit the Grizzlies Community Fund. To find out more about the GCF or to make a donation, please call 559.320.4487.