Highlight Video: http://youtu.be/gpwYpQA1bJ4
Carle Place, N.Y. - The Adelphi University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics held its annual Fall Cocktail Party on Wednesday, November 28, at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place, N.Y. Bucky Dent, former New York Yankee and World Series Most Valuable Player, signed autographs and chatted with Ed Randall on the Panther Stage in front of a crowd of over 250 people during the eventful evening that raised nearly $25,000 for Adelphi University athletics.
The evening began with cocktails and a buffet catered by the Chateau Briand and sponsored by the Adelphi University Panther Club, and segued into an autograph session during which Dent signed photos, baseballs and other memorabilia for all of the avid fans in attendance.
Dom Scala, head coach of the Adelphi baseball team and former bullpen coach for the New York Yankees, emceed the event and welcomed everyone to the event with his opening speech. Scala, who had the honor of hoisting the 1978 World Series trophy alongside Dent, also introduced Randall and presented him with a check for $1,000 that was raised for his Fans for the Cure Foundation through Adelphi baseball's third annual Hanks Yanks charity game.
“Ed solidifies the Panther Stage,” said Scala. “He gives up his time and really does his homework on all the guests we were so grateful to have on stage. Holding the Hanks Yanks charity game and donating the proceeds to his foundation is the least we can do in return for him.”
Randall, a world renowned baseball media personality and host of Ed Randall's Talking Baseball radio show, interviewed Dent on the Panther Stage following a speech from Adelphi University Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Robert Hartwell. Randall chatted with Dent about his 12-year playing career that included a pair of World Series championships and one of the most famous home runs in baseball history: a three-run shot that propelled the Yankees past the rival Boston Red Sox in the 1978 American League East Division Series.
“Bucky Dent was terrific,” said Hartwell of the solf-out affair. “I give my thanks to so many that showed great support for the reception. Scala was in top form as our host, the committee was super organized and our student athletes were impressive."
The night finished with a live auction, the proceeds of which were donated to Adelphi athletics. Among the impressive list of raffle items ranging from signed helmets and jerseys, the big ticket items included autographed baseballs by Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, Willie Randolph, Tony Gqynn, Rollie Fingers, David Murphy, Raul Ibanez, Nelson Cruz, Jorge Posada, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, RA Dickey, Johan Santana, Yogi Berra and Don Larson.
"I thought the night went exceptionally well," stated Scala. "The entire staff did a fantastic job. It was a record crowd and Adelphi Athletics benefited from it. Bucky Dent was so genuine and honest with stories of his career he had everyone on the edge of their seats. Thanks to to Bucky Dent Adelphi Athletics had another memorable night."
