LAST CALL: Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet Tickets
In 2012, Duquette's leadership and timely acquisitions paved the way for the Orioles to claim a spot in the postseason, their first since 1997. Two prime examples were his signings of Nate McLouth and Miguel Gonzalez, two unheralded players that filled important roles in the regular season and postseason.
Duquette, who was hired by the Orioles in November of 2011, has over two decades of experience in baseball operations at the Major League level, including a combined ten seasons as general manager with the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox reached the postseason three times (1995, 1998 & 1999) under the leadership of Duquette. His acquisitions of Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe, Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon and others helped the Red Sox win the world series title in 2004, their first in 86 years.
From 1992-1994, Duquette was the General Manager of the Expos. Despite challenges including the league's lowest payroll, the Expos compiled a 255-183 record, the best in baseball over the three-year period. Following the 1992 season, Duquette was named the Sporting News Major League Executive of the Year.
Duquette's baseball career dates back to 1981, when he landed his first job with the Milwaukee Brewers in their scouting department.
"We're honored to have one of the major architects of the Orioles' turnaround coming to speak at our hot stove banquet," said Shorebirds general manager Chris Bitters. "I encourage all Orioles fans on the Eastern Shore and baseball fans for that matter to come out to the Delmar VFW on Saturday, January 26th and take advantage of this opportunity to hear from Dan Duquette."
The Shorebirds will have a host of speakers at the banquet in addition to Duquette. Shorebirds executives Chris Bitters (General Manager) and Pat Filipone (President, 7th Inning Stretch, LP) will speak regarding the state of Shorebirds baseball and the plans for the upcoming 2013 season.
The banquet will also include a buffet dinner featuring beef and dumplings, a specialty chicken dish with sides and dessert.
The price for the hot stove banquet is $33 per individual. The Shorebirds are offering groups and companies an opportunity to purchase a private table of eight for the discounted rate of $225.
For more information about the Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet and to purchase tickets, contact Shawn Schoolcraft at 410-219-3112.
Delmarva Shorebirds
The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class "A" Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, L.P., the same company that owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League. In 2012, 231,194 fans came to Shorebirds games, the highest total attendance since 2002. The Shorebirds were the proud hosts of the 2011 South Atlantic League "Strike Out Hunger" All-Star Game presented by Perdue that drew 7,410 fans. For more information, call the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.
The Shorebirds celebrated 17-years of professional baseball on the Eastern Shore in 2012. During the 2009 season, the Shorebirds finished with an average attendance of 3,567 fans, the largest average since the 2002 season. In 2007, The Shorebirds had the top attendance based on market size in Minor League Baseball(tm), according to Sports Business Journal (Aug. 2008). In 2010, more than 6,000 fans packed Arthur W. Perdue Stadium nine times including a season high of 8,993 fans on August 7th. In 2012, the Shorebirds welcomed 13 crowds of over 5,000 fans.
The Shorebirds were established in 1996 by an investor team headed by legendary chicken company owner, the late Frank Perdue. The Shorebirds have called Arthur W. Perdue home ever since. For more information about the Delmarva Shorebirds call 410-219-3112 or visit www.theshorebirds.com.