Buck Showalter to Speak at Vanderbilt Baseball Leadoff Banquet 1/22/02

Former New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks manager Buck Showalter will serve as the keynote speaker at the second annual Vanderbilt Baseball Leadoff Banquet, February 15, at the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt.

The fundraising event to highlight the upcoming season begins at 6 p.m. It also features a silent auction, refreshments, and an opportunity to dine with a Commodore baseball player. Items to be auctioned include baseball memorabilia, golf outings and vacation trips.

Showalter managed the Yankees for four seasons (1992-95), capturing the American League East Division title in 1995. From 1998-2000 he managed the Diamondbacks, including the 1999 campaign when his squad won 100 regular-season games and the National League West title. In all, Showalter posted a 562-505 record in seven seasons as a Major League skipper. Last year, Showalter served as an analyst for ESPN.

"Anyone attending, especially our own players, will be interested to hear from someone with the experience of Buck Showalter," Vanderbilt Head Coach Roy Mewbourne said. "He's a proven winner."

Those interested in attending should RSVP by Feb. 11, by calling the Vanderbilt Athletic Department at 615-343-6051.