FRESNO - Additional talent has been announced for the annual Fresno Grizzlies Hot Stove Gala and dinner, the 57th anniversary event, slated for Thursday, February 1, 2017 at the Fresno Convention Center. (Exhibit Hall III at 700 “M” Street downtown.)
Major League veteran player and manager Dusty Baker, the keynote speaker, will be joined by Chris Devenski, a former Fresno Grizzlies right-handed pitcher and 2017 World Series Champion with the Houston Astros. The event will begin at 6 p.m. for the general public (doors at 5:30), and at 5 p.m. for those who have purchased VIP tickets. VIP access includes a private mixer with the talent prior to the dinner and speeches.
Tickets for the event are now on sale by visiting FresnoGrizzlies.com or the ticket office at Chukchansi Park between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Devenski made his Major League debut with Houston in 2016, appearing in 48 games as an American League Rookie of The Year candidate, posting a 2.16 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 108.1 innings pitched (104 strikeouts). The Southern California native first rose to national prominence at the tail end of the 2015 season, starting the Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game for Fresno on NBC Sports Network. Devenski allowed just one hit in seven innings of work (no walks, nine strikeouts), to pilot the Grizzlies to a 7-0 victory over the Columbus Clippers for their first Triple-A title, on the heels of the franchise’s first Pacific Coast League championship as well.
In 2017, Devenski continued as arguably the top right-handed reliever in the AL, notching 100 strikeouts for a consecutive season, in just 80.2 innings over 62 appearances (2.68 ERA, 0.94 WHIP). The 27-year-old was one of several former Fresno Grizzlies that helped the Houston Astros to their first World Series title, in seven thrilling games over the L.A. Dodgers.
“When you think back on the key moments in Grizzlies history, of course our championship run in 2015 is among the first things that come to mind,” said Fresno Grizzlies Executive Vice President and General Manager Derek Franks. “And there was ‘Devo’ on national TV, shouting out ‘the 559.’ It was an incredible moment for our city, region and franchise, and we were ecstatic to see Chris get to relive that moment on the Major League stage with the Astros this past fall.”
Tickets to the event are on sale for $60 apiece. VIP tickets, which include the 5 p.m. meet and greet with Baker, Devenski and any other talent to be announced are $100. Tables of 10 ($600) and VIP tables ($1,000) are also available. Tickets for children 12 and under are $25.
Purchase tickets online. For more information or to RSVP, call Grizzlies Community Fund Director Whitney Campbell at (559) 320-2547. The Hot Stove Gala benefits the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that manages community programs such as “Wild About Reading,” “Farm Grown” and the Junior Grizzlies baseball program. Autograph opportunities and a Q&A with the talent/guests at Hot Stove will also be available to patrons.
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