The public is invited to the Ellsworth Community College baseball team's second annual Lead Off Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 5:30 pm at Highland Golf Club in Iowa Falls. A highlight will be the keynote address from Lee Smith, an 18-year major league pitcher who accumulated 478 saves and 1,251 strikeouts.
"Last year we had a tremendous response to this event and we are hoping to have continued success this year," explains ECC Head Coach Travis Akre. "This event will fund our spring trips and equipment upgrades, as well as providing substantial funds to the Martin Dittmer baseball scholarship."
ECC alumni, baseball enthusiasts, family, friends, and supporters of ECC baseball are invited to attend.
Keynote speaker Lee Smith, a native of Jamestown, LA, is an 18-year big leaguer. He played for eight teams, working as one of the most dominant closers of all time. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Cubs, he played for the Cardinals, Red Sox, Yankees, Orioles, Angels, Reds and Expos. Smith went on to record 478 saves and 1,251 strikeouts. He held the all-time saves record until 2006, and he currently sits 3rd on the all-time saves list. Smith retired from Major League Baseball in 1998.
The Lead Off Dinner will also include a welcome from Head Coach Akre, a meet-and-greet with the 2016 baseball team, and a silent auction. Items in the silent auction include: autographs from Adrian Peterson, Brett Favre, Reggie Jackson, Wade Boggs and more. The big ticket item this year up for silent auction is a great opportunity for two people to attend the "Celebrity Fight Night" in Phoenix, AZ. This also includes being seated as guests with Mr. and Mrs. Muhammad Ali.
Tickets are $35 per person, which includes dinner. For ticket information contact Coach Akre at 641-648-8534 or 507-313-9302 or email Travis.Akre@iavalley.edu.