RiverDogs add Ridgway to banquet lineup
A RiverDogs of the then-Tampa Bay affiliate during the 2001 and 2003 seasons, Ridgway joins Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry for the banquet.
Born in Port Angeles, Wash. and after a stellar career at Port Angeles High where he was listed on USA Today's honorable mention All-America team in 1999, Ridgway made his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Sept. 17, 2007. In January of this year, Ridgway was traded to the Atlanta Braves and was called up after Tom Glavine got injured and placed on the DL. He made his Atlanta debut the same day and pitched two scoreless innings.
"We believe that having Atlanta Braves pitcher Jeff Ridgway join Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry at the podium will certainly enhance the event," said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. "Jeff is an up-and-coming pitcher and Gaylord is 'old school,' so the mix will be even more enticing to local baseball fans."
The event is being sponsored for a second year by Tom McQueeney State Farm Insurance Company.
The Hot Stove Banquet is an annual collaboration between the Charleston RiverDogs and The Citadel to whet the appetite of Charleston area baseball fans. In addition to the banquet, a silent auction will be held with proceeds going to MUSC's Storm Eye Institute, the RiverDogs' primary charity, and The Citadel Foundation for scholarships.
Perry, a 1991 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, won 314 games, was a five-time All-Star and was the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in each league, claiming it in 1972 with the Indians and in 1978 with the Padres. While pitching for the Mariners in 1982, Perry defeated the Yankees to become the 15th member of the 300 win club for pitchers.
The reception and auction begin at 6 pm. Tickets are $65 per person which includes dinner, beverages and admission to the auction. Tables that seat eight individuals are available for $500.
For reservations, please contact the RiverDogs at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.