The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced that 2-time Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain will headline the 7th Annual Cutters Hot Stove Banquet to be held on Monday, January 21 at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport, presented in part by HB Rentals, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Woodlands Bank and Williamsport’s home for Phillies baseball WRAK.
McLain was the last pitcher to win 30 games in the majors when he compiled a record of 31-6 with a 1.96 ERA in 1968, helping lead the Detroit Tigers to the World Series Championship. He won the 1968 AL MVP and AL Cy Young Awards. McLain followed up that record-setting year by going 24-9 with a 2.80 ERA in 1969 while capturing his second straight Cy Young Award. In his te
“Denny has lived a colorful life to say the least, both on and off the field,” stated Crosscutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, Gabe Sinicropi. “He doesn’t shy away from discussing the high points or low points in his life. He is a great story-teller with great stories to tell. I think those who attend our Hot Stove Banquet will be surprised and entertained by his humor and candor.”
McLain’s success on the playing field allowed him to receive endorsements from numerous companies including the Hammond Organ Company, for whom he made musical appearances in Las Vegas during his playing days. He would go on to release two albums on Capitol Records, Denny McLain at the Organ (1968) and Denny McLain in Las Vegas (1969).
Other special guests from the Philadelphia Phillies and the world of sports will be announced in the coming weeks. Past guests at the event have included Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr, broadcaster Tom McCarthy, Phillies players Kyle Kendrick, Chris Coste, Ryan Madsen, and J.A. Happ along with former Phillies Dick Allen, Greg Gross and Mickey Morandini. Late Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas was a special guest at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet in each of its first three years.
The evening will consist of dinner, an entertainment portion, featuring interviews and question and answer segments with many of the special guests, plus Chinese and live auctions of Phillies & other sports memorabilia by the T&S Auction Company.
Doors open at 5:30pm for cocktail hour and the start of the Chinese auction along with entertainment by Boomer and the Phillie Phanatic. The dinner and entertainment portion of the festivities will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. Free autographs will be available for attendees at the close of event.
One of the banquet highlights is the announcement of the latest inductee of the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established in 1989 by the Bowman Field Commission and the Williamsport Bills as a way to honor those who were influential and important to the history of Bowman Field and professional baseball in Williamsport.
Dormant since 1991, the Hall of Fame was revived by the Crosscutters in 2009. Former Williamsport Bill Dave Bresnahan, of Great Potato Caper fame, was inducted in 2012. The latest inductee is expected to be announced in December.
A portion of the proceeds from the banquet will be donated to a local charity. Prospective charities may apply to be the beneficiary by filling out the application form available online at crosscutters.com or at the Crosscutters offices at Historic Bowman Field. Completed applications are due by November 16.
Tickets for the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet are $49 for adults and $39 for children age 12 and under. The event has sold out every year and fans are encouraged to get their tickets now by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389 or ordering online at www.crosscutters.com.
