Brooks Robinson Highlights Baseball's 2006 Step Up To The Plate

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Dec. 6, 2005

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The 2006 University of Virginia Baseball Team will hold its fourth annual “Step Up To The Plate!” on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at Memorial Gymnasium. Former Baltimore Oriole Legend Brooks Robinson will serve as the guest speaker at the event.

“We are honored to have Brooks Robinson as our guest to help kick off our 2006 season,” Virginia Baseball Head Coach Brian O’Connor said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Cavalier fans and the community of Charlottesville to support the UVa baseball program and meet one of baseball’s all-time greats.”

A limited number of tickets are available for the 2006 Step Up To The Plate! Ticket prices are $50 for adults and $35 for children 12 & under and Virginia Baseball alumni. Sponsored tables for the event are $2,500 and include a reserved table for a party of eight, eight general admission baseball season tickets and admission to the pre-event reception. The pre-event reception will begin at 5 p.m.

The special event, which has featured MLB manager Tony LaRussa (2003), former big leaguer Cal Ripken Jr. (2004) and legendary manager Tommy Lasorda (2005), will also provide attendees the opportunity to visit with the members of the 2006 Virginia baseball team. The “Step Up To The Plate!” event will begin with an autograph session with the Virginia baseball team and a silent auction at 6 p.m. A buffet barbecue dinner is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Following dinner, O’Connor will introduce Robinson who will then speak to the event audience. After Robinson’s speech, a live auction will close out the event.

Tickets for the “Step Up To The Plate!” are on sale now. Tickets can be ordered in person at the UVa athletics ticket office in Bryant Hall or can be ordered by phone with VISA or Mastercard by calling (434) 924-UVA1. Proceeds from “Step Up To The Plate!” will go to the Virginia Baseball program.

The Robinson Profile:
Robinson holds major league records for most hits (2,848), most games (2,871), most seasons (23), most chances (8,902), most putouts (2,697), most assists (6,205), most double plays (618), most seasons leading league in games (8) and most season leading league in assists (8) for third basemen. He holds the American League record for most seasons leading in fielding percentage (11), most games in a season (163, twice) and most sacrifice flies (114).

Brooks won a record 16 straight Gold Gloves from 1960 through 1975 as the best fielding third baseman in the American League. He was the American League Most Valuable Player in 1964, finished second in the voting in 1966 and third in both 1960 and 1965. He was selected as the Most Valuable Player in the 1966 All Star game and the 1970 World Series. He was chosen as the Most Valuable Oriole in 1960, 1962, 1964 and 1971. He and Frank Robinson were the first players elected to the new Orioles Hall of Fame in 1977.

He was the 1972 winner of what is now known as the Roberto Clemente Award, honoring the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball – both on and off the field. In 1971 he was awarded the Hickock Belt, emblematic of his selection as the national outstanding athlete of the year. In 1972 he was picked Man of the Decade by the Baltimore Advertising Club.

2006 Virginia Baseball
Step Up to the Plate!

Featuring Legendary Player
Brooks Robinson

Saturday, January 21, 2006
Memorial Gymnasium
6 p.m.

Adult Tickets: $50.00
Youth Tickets (12 & under): $35.00
Virginia Baseball Alumni: $35.00
Sponsored Tables: $2,500.00*

*Includes:8 tickets to pre-event reception with Brooks Robinson and other special baseball guests
8 reserved table tickets to Step Up to the Plate!
8 General Admission 2006 Virginia baseball season tickets

Event Timeline
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Pre-event reception for table sponsors
6 p.m.
Doors open, silent auction begins & autograph session with 2006 Virginia Baseball Team
7 p.m.
Buffet barbecue dinner begins
Followed by remarks & live auction

Limited Number of Tickets Available!Call the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office: 1-800-542-UVA1For tables call: 1-800-626-8723

Virginia Baseball poster, schedule card, magnet and t-shirt for all in attendance