MLBPAA, Southern University join forces for gala

COLORADO, Colo. -- The Southern University baseball office and Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) are pleased to announce that the Fifth Annual Bringing Back Baseball Gala will be held Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010. in Baton Rouge, La., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Guests in attendance will include current and former Major League Baseball players Will Clark, Jerome Edwards, Fred Lewis, Brian McRae, Mike Mohler, Ryan Theriot, Jon Warden, Rickie Weeks, Frank Wills and Ed Yarnall.

This event aims to expand the involvement in baseball of African-American athletes nationwide by benefitting the Bringing Back Baseball Initiative which is focused on refreshing the interest of America's youth toward playing America's game -- from the inner cities to the suburbs -- with a focus on the shrinking African-American participation in the game. Funds raised from the evening and auction will also benefit the Little League Baseball system of Baton Rouge and the Southern University Jaguars baseball program.

The evening kicks off with a VIP cocktail party at 6 p.m., and continues with the Bringing Back Baseball Gala from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase by calling Southern University head baseball coach Roger Cador at (225) 771-2513.

The event was first initiated when Bill North, former Oakland Athletic, contacted Cador with the idea of a partnership with MLBPAA for a fundraiser and a way to address an issue facing baseball on all fronts -- the lack of African-Americans playing the game.

The event has received steadfast support over the past five years from the Baton Rouge community and the MLBPAA. Former players who have attended the event include Kirk Bullinger, Randy Bush, Will Clark, Patrick Coogan, Mike Fontanto, Danny Goodwin, John O'Donoghue, Eric Lane, Lack Mamabe, Chad Ogea, Lee Smith, John Stephenson, Dave Stewart, Art Swanson, Ryan Theriott, Frank Wills, Jimmy Wynn and Pat Zachry.