The Business Public Relations group at MLB asked me to pass along some information regarding the 20th Annual Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) Dinner.

For those not aware, B.A.T. is a terrific organization that helps members of the “baseball family” (i.e. pre-pension era players, former negro league players, families of players, minor leaguers) who have a substantial need (financial or otherwise). This year, the theme will celebrate the memories of Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium. Below are former Yankees that will be present:

Roy White
Whitey Ford
Joe Girardi
Bob Watson
Pete Ward
Bill Virdon
Mike Torrez
Rusty Torres
Willie Randolph
Charlie Silvera
Bobby Shantz
Mike Pagliarulo
Graig Nettles
Paul Mirabella
Phil Linz
Jim Leyritz
Jay Johnstone
Cliff Johnson
Ed Figueroa
Art Ditmar
Chris Chambliss
Jim Bouton
Ruben Amaro, Sr.

In addition, these Hall of Famers will be there:

Luis Aparicio
Orlando Cepeda
Bob Gibson
Al Kaline
Joe Morgan
Robin Roberts
Ozzie Smith
George Brett
Dick Williams

The dinner is open to the public and those interested in purchasing tickets/tables can go to www.baseballassistanceteam.com. Anyone interested in attending will be contributing to this foundation, but will also get the chance to rub elbows with baseball legends.

I’ve never been to a B.A.T. Dinner. But, back in 1998, I met a fellow baseball fan who shared that he went to the dinners each year on a regular basis. And, the stories that he told me about attending were incredible. To say that it’s a good time is an understatement. I got the feeling from him that it was such an incredible experience that it left you counting down the days until the dinner the following year – because you couldn’t wait to go back again.

Here’s the what, when, where, and who for the 20th Annual Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) Dinner to be held on January 27, 2009:

WHAT: The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) will be hosting their 20th annual fundraising dinner. The theme for the dinner will celebrate the memories of New York’s Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium. In addition to the theme, B.A.T. will honor Ozzie Smith, George Brett, Bret Saberhagen and Vince Coleman with the Big B.A.T./Frank Slocum Award and Luis Gonzalez with the Bart Giamatti Award. Over 125 current and former Major League players are scheduled to attend, which includes the likes of former Yankees and Mets. The event is open to the public.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 27, 2009; Reception begins at 5:45 p.m. EST

WHERE: New York Marriott Marquis Hotel located at 1535 Broadway, New York, NY.

WHO: Founded in 1986, B.A.T. is dedicated to helping those members of the “baseball family” most in need. B.A.T. strives to provide a means of support to people who are unable to help themselves. Through charitable contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals, B.A.T. is there to assist those with financial, psychological or physical burdens.

Again, for information on how to purchase tickets, or to make a donation, please contact B.A.T. at (212) 931-7821 or log on to www.baseballassistanceteam.com.