In an effort to raise money for renovations to be made to the Nat Buring Stadium, The University of Memphis baseball team will hold a dinner fund-raiser at the Pyramid at 7 p.m., on Thursday.
The speaker will be senior vice president Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lasorda recently managed the US baseball team to a gold medal finish in the summer Olympics in Australia.
Former University of Memphis baseball player and newly appointed head coach Dave Anderson said all proceeds from the fund-raiser will go to the baseball team.
"One hundred percent of the ticket sales will go to the baseball team," Anderson said. "We'll use the money from the banquet to help improve the facilities on South Campus."
Anderson, who played for Lasorda and the Dodgers, believes Lasorda will be the driving force behind ticket sales.
"We hope a name as big as Tommy Lasorda will sell more tickets," Anderson said. "We expect to have a big turnout."
Tickets for the event are $150 per person, and a reserved table for 15 is $1,500.
Along with Lasorda, athletic director R.C. Johnson will also be on hand to speak at the banquet.
There will also be a silent auction of sports memorabilia.
"At the silent auction, people will be able to purchase many Hall of Fame items," Anderson said. "(They) will be able to buy autographed pictures, baseballs and many other items."
Anderson played 10 years of major league baseball, all but two of which he spent with the Dodgers. He appeared in three National League Championship series with Los Angeles and won a World Series title with the team in 1988.
Anderson left as manager of the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens to become The U of M's baseball coach in June.
As a U of M shortstop in 1980-81, he led the team to a 79-26-1 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. He still holds the school record for stolen bases.
For more information about Thursday's event, contact The U of M baseball office.
