MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Marty Appel, the long-time Yankees historian and former director of Public Relations for the team, will be the special guest speaker at the 77th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on Sunday, Feb. 10, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the L’Affaire Banquet Center, 1099 Route 22 East, in Mountainside.
The awards dinner is sponsored by the Union County Baseball Association (UCBA), in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal. Since 1937, the annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner has been the primary fund-raising effort for the UCBA’s summer and fall programs for young ballplayers.
Marty Appel began his tenure with the New York Yankees handling fan mail for Mickey Mantle. He is the author of 18 books, including the New York Times bestseller, “Munson,” and the 2012 publication, “Pinstripe Empire” – the definitive history of the New York Yankees. Mr. Appel is seen often on YES Network Yankeeographies. His interviews with veteran Yankees players are featured on Yankees On Demand on the Yankees.com website.
During the afternoon awards ceremonies, the UCBA will induct three new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame: Bill Dolan of Rahway, Jim Riccitelli of Roselle Park, and George Virgilio of Elizabeth.
“We’re delighted to welcome Marty Appel to this year’s Hot Stove League Awards Dinner,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “We hope that family members and friends of the Hall of Fame inductees and the very deserving local student honorees will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies and support youth baseball in Union County.”
Among the students to be honored for their athletic achievements are: Chris Folinusz, catcher for Cranford High School and Union County Player of the Year (2012); Khaseem Greene of Elizabeth and Rutgers, Big East defensive player of the year (2011 and 2012); Jenna Kulback, hard-hitting catcher for Gov. Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights (Class of 2012); James O’Rourke, a First Team, All-State centerfielder for Westfield High School (Class of 2012); Shannon Syciarz of Garwood, a First Team All-American and two time All-NJAC field hockey goaltender of the year.
The Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner also will honor local American Legion Baseball players and athletes from youth baseball leagues for their achievements in 2012.
Tickets for the dinner are $40 each and can be purchased online by visiting www.ucba-nj.org or by downloading and mailing the table registration form to the Union County Baseball Association, Box 176, Fanwood, New Jersey 07023.
For more information, please call Jim Iozzi at 908-917-2523.
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