Orioles' Dan Duquette Named Keynote Speaker
Salisbury, Md. - In conjunction with the Baltimore Orioles, the Delmarva Shorebirds are pleased to announce that Orioles Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, Dan Duquette, will be the keynote speaker at the 13thAnnual Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the Delmar VFW. The banquet will begin at 6pm and run until approximately 9pm.
Duquette will speak about the state of the Orioles and his career in baseball. He will also participate in a question and answer session with attendees.
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 ofDuquette. 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.
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.
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 excited to have such a recognizable and distinguished keynote speaker at our 2014 kickoff event," 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 Thursday, January 30th 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 2014 season. Additional speakers will be announced as the event approaches.
The banquet will also include a buffet dinner.
The price for the hot stove banquet is $35 per individual. The Shorebirds are offering groups and companies an opportunity to purchase a private table of eight for the discounted rate of $240.
For more information about the Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet and to purchase tickets, contact Shawn Schoolcraft at410-219-3112.