Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa Heads Virginia Baseball Fundraiser

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Feb. 6, 2003

Alumni Hall was packed Monday night for the baseball programs fundraiser, “Step Up to the Plate!” The event included an informal dinner along with a silent and a live auction, featuring tickets to the Red Sox vs. Yankees, Mets vs. Braves and a Cardinals game. Other items included Virginia memorabilia, golfing lessons, and autographed collectibles.

The guest speaker for the evening was St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, the National League Manager of the Year. Monday evening’s turnout also included UVa alumni Mike Cubbage (Boston Red Sox coach), Brian Buchanan (San Diego Padres outfielder) and Seth Greisinger (Detroit Tigers pitcher), as well as local resident Billy Wagner (Houston Astros reliever).

“Step Up to the Plate!” generated close to $29,000 on dinner and auction items. This money will help pay off the new Baseball Stadium and raise funds to enhance the facility for the players and fans.

Already, Baseball America has named the new stadium as one of the top 20 in the nation. Virginia Head Coach Dennis Womack plans to use some of the funds to complete a few remaining projects, such as building indoor batting cages and pitching mounds so the team can continue to hold practice during inclement weather.

Virginia’s Baseball season opens on February 14th with a three-game trip to Auburn. The Cavaliers will be at home on Saturday, February 22 for a double-header against Penn State. Game times are 1:00 and 4:00 at Davenport Field.