Ryne Sandberg Highlights Baseball's 2007 Step Up To The Plate
Story Links
Dec. 7, 2006
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – – The 2007 Virginia Baseball Team will hold its fifth annual “Step Up To The Plate!” on Fri., Jan. 26 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Memorial Gymnasium. Former Chicago Cub Ryne Sandberg will serve as the guest speaker at the event.
“Ryne Sandberg is one of the greatest players of all-time, and we are honored to have him as our guest to help kick off our 2007 season,” Virginia head baseball 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 2007 “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. There is also a group or team special with the purchase of 20 tickets. The pre-event reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.
The special event, which has featured MLB manager Tony LaRussa (2003), former big leaguer Cal Ripken Jr. (2004), legendary manager Tommy Lasorda (2005) and former big leaguer Brooks Robinson (2006) will also provide attendees the opportunity to visit with the members of the 2007 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 6:30 p.m. A buffet barbecue dinner is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Following dinner, Sandberg will then speak to the event audience. After Sandberg’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 1-800-542-UVA1. Proceeds from “Step Up To The Plate!” will go to the Virginia Baseball program.
The Sandberg Profile: Sandberg came up in the Phillies organization, but he was traded to the Chicago Cubs before the 1982 season. He was the premier second baseman in the National League during his time, winning nine Gold Gloves. He was also a 10-time NL All-Star and took the league’s MVP award in 1984. Sandberg has nine Gold Gloves, seven Silver Slugger awards and a National League MVP trophy, which he won in 1984. He enters the Hall with a .285 career batting average, 282 home runs and 1,061 RBIs. When he retired in 1997, he was the all-time home run leader among second basemen with 277. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. Sandberg was recently named the manager of the Peoria Chiefs – the Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
 |
Ryne Sandberg |
2007 Virginia Baseball
Step Up to the Plate!
Featuring Legendary Player: Ryne Sandberg
Friday, January 26, 2007
Memorial Gymnasium
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Adult Tickets: $50
Youth Tickets (12 & under): $35
Virginia Baseball Alumni: $35
*Sponsored Tables: $2,500
*Includes: 8 tickets to pre-event reception with Ryne Sandberg and other special baseball guests;8 reserved table tickets to Step Up to the Plate!;8 General Admission 2007 Virginia baseball season tickets
Event Timeline:
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Pre-event reception for table sponsors
6:30 p.m.
Doors open, silent auction begins & autograph session with 2006 Virginia Baseball Team
7:30 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-UVA1 For tables call: 1-800-626-8723
Virginia Baseball poster, schedule card, magnet and t-shirt for all in attendance