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Sponsorship tables & tickets available for Baseball Luncheon May 25

Baseball Luncheon-cover

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s biggest celebration in years is set for Thursday, May 25. It features two events: a 9 a.m. public unveiling of a larger-than-life bronze statue of longtime Springfield resident and former big-leaguer Bill Virdon at the Hall of Fame and the Baseball Luncheon presented by the Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company, set for 11 a.m. at the University Plaza Convention Center in Springfield. Sponsorship tables and tickets remain available by calling 417-889-3100.

Check out the sales flyer for more details

The Hall of Fame will honor recently retired Hiland Dairy Foods Sales Manager Mark Speight with the President’s Award and induct five individuals: Mark Bailey (Glendale High School/Missouri State University/Houston Astros), late Negro Leagues star John Donaldson (Glasgow), former Westran, Jameston and Sturgeon high school baseball/softball coach Kelly Odneal, longtime sports writer Rob Rains (Kickapoo High School/St. Louis media) and former Glendale High School and Drury University baseball coach Mark Stratton.

The Hall of Fame also will recognize the Diamond 9, a group of former high school, college and pro standouts: Hillcrest’s Doug Bennett, Springfield Central’s Dan Bishop, Southwest Baptist’s Jack Funderburk, Strafford’s Chelsea King Goodin, Missouri State’s Kellie Becher Kessler, Carl Junction’s Danny Powers, Branson’s Kyle Rapinchuk, Lamar’s Stefanie Standley and Hollister’s Michael Vincent.

Luncheon sponsorship tables of eight are $400 and include recognition in the printed program and an autographed print. A head table ticket is $100, and an individual ticket is $40. To support the honorees in any way, including with congratulatory ads, call 417-889-3100.