Stamford, CT -- 2006 Wagner graduate and current Oakland A's pitcher Andrew Bailey is known for striking batters out on the field and is now trying to punch out another opponent off of it, pediatric cancer. Bailey is the Director of Development for the Strike 3 Foundation, which was founded in 2008 by his teammate and fellow relief pitcher Craig Breslow.
This Saturday, November 19, the foundation will be holding its Fourth Annual First Pitch Gala, benefitting cancer research at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford, CT, with the event getting underway at 6:30 pm and will feature live entertainment, live and silent auctions.
At age 14, Breslow’s sister was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. More than fifteen years later, she lives an unrestricted life as a cancer survivor.
Unequivocally, this success story is attributed to advancements in pediatric oncology treatment and research funded largely through generous donations and charitable efforts.
This year's First Pitch Gala will be hosted by Bobby Valentine (former MLB player and manager and current ESPN analyst) and Karl Ravech (host of ESPN's Baseball Tonight and SportsCenter).
Other celebrity guests include Breslow and Bailey from the Oakland Athletics, Jack Cust of the Seattle Mariners, Rajai Davis from the Toronto Blue Jays, Vin Mazzaro of the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins pitcher Kevin Slowey, WWE Superstars, New York Yankees radio announcer Suzyn Waldman, and many more.
Representing Wagner College at the event will be President Dr. Richard Guarasci, his wife Carin and head coach Joe Litterio as well as Bailey’s former Seahawk teammates: Mike D’Angelis, Joe Malfattano, Nick Papa and Mike Picarello and Brian Scrocca.
While the event is sold out, those wishing to donate to the fight against pediatric cancer can do so by clicking HERE or by attending the inaugural 2012 Bailey Bowl on January 7, 2012 at the Pinsetter Bar & Bowl in Pennsauken NJ.
Tickets will be available to the public on Monday, November 21 as a lane of six bowlers can be purchased for $1,000. Included in the event will be a night of bowling, food, drinks, a gift bag, t-shirt, silent auction and waitress service with proceeds going to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Individual bowling and individual non-bowling tickets will be available upon availability starting in December.
Sponsors include Porsche of The Main Line, Joe Canal's Liquor, Hendricks Sports Management, Wilson, the Oakland A's, Playstation, J brand jeans and Hess Winery.
Check the Strike3Foundation website next week for more ticket information.
Since his debut in the Major Leagues in 2009, Bailey has been named to two American League (AL) All Star teams and was the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year. For his career, he has post 75 saves while recording 174 strikeouts, 2.07 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP over 174.0 innings.