READING, Pa. — Editors Note: The video above originally aired on Jan. 20.
For 62 years, the Reading Hot Stovers have hosted the likes of Earl Weaver, Mike Schmidt, and Tommy Lasorda at the nonprofits annual banquet in Reading, Berks County.
2024 will mark the first time a softball player will take the stage. Board member Dave Renninger says it's a way to reach a new audience.
"We're hoping to drive some interest into our young ladies that play softball in high school in Berks county," Renninger said. "We hope that'll spark people to come in to our banquet."
The banquet benefits baseball and softball players in Berks County.
"We give $1,500 out for each [scholarship]," Renninger said. "The biggest goal is to see the kids actually gain from it because they're the ones that were there for."
The Reading Hot Stovers also host an annual golf tournament to raise money for the scholarships. However, the banquet is the biggest fundraiser they have every year.
"We have the silent auction, and we also have a lot of items for sale at the banquet," Renninger said. "We also have a happy hour session with the guests that we have coming."
Tickets are $95 dollars now through the day of the banquet, January 18, 2024.
Below is the 2024 speaker schedule:
Billy Wagner: Wagner is a former MLB relief pitcher, having played 16 years for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves. Wagner recorded 422 Career saves, 903 innings pitched, 1,196 strikeouts. He is a leading candidate to be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2024.
Leah O’Brian-Amico: O’Brian-Amico was an All-America Outfielder at University of Arizona, where she won three NCAA national titles. She also won three gold medals with the USA Olympic Softball team (1996, 2000, and 2004), and two world championships. O’Brian-Amico was inducted into the Women’s Softball Hall of Fame.
Kent Tekulve: Tekulve was a relief pitcher for Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cincinnati Reds during his 16 year career. On the books, he recorded 184 Career saves, 1,436 Innings pitched. Tekulve, known for his wacky sidearm delivery, pitched for 1979 World Series Champion Pirates. He's a current color commentator for the Pittsburgh Pirates.