ATLANTA (Dec. 20) – For the second consecutive year, Georgia Tech has managed to secure the American League Manager of the Year, Jimy Williams of the Boston Red Sox this time, to be the featured speaker at its annual Baseball Benefit Dinner on Feb. 4.
Williams was awarded the honor in 1999 after guiding the Red Sox to the American League championship series against the New York Yankees. Boston finished second in the AL Eastern Division with a 94-68 record and secured a wild card berth in the playoffs.
Two former Georgia Tech all-Americas, All-Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and catcher Jason Varitek, are starters for Williams with the Red Sox and both are expected to attend the dinner along with many other Tech baseball alumni.
Williams continues a tradition of well-known baseball figures to speak at the dinner, including the New York Yankees’ Joe Torre last year. Former major league managers Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Sparky Anderson of the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, as well as major league general managers John Schuerholz of the Atlanta Braves and Cam Bonifay of the Pittsburgh Pirates have also been featured.
The annual dinner and auction, with proceeds to benefit the Tech baseball program, is being held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in the Peachtree Ballroom beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 4. The cost is $65 per person and $500 for a table of 10. The evening includes a silent and live auction, as well as the introduction of the entire Tech team, which is ranked ninth in the nation in pre-season polls.
Also on tap for the weekend is the annual Georgia Tech Alumni Game and cookout at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Russ Chandler Stadium. Admission to the game is free, however, there is a $7 charge for the cookout.
Tickets to both events must be purchased by Jan. 28. To buy tickets or get more information, call Ben Herndon in the Georgia Tech Sports Marketing Office at (404) 894-6265.
