It was something of a who’s who list when the stars and scouts gathered at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel in Century City in Los Angeles. The event was the Pro Baseball Scouts Foundation’s In the Spirit of Game sports extravaganza.
White Sox executive Dennis Gilbert hosted the evening and also answered phones. The troubled economy didn’t seem to permeate the atmosphere as every table was packed at this fundraising initiative designed to help baseball scouts in need.
Attendees enjoyed entertainment, baseball memorabilia, and opportunities to purchase sports and entertainment memorabilia at live and silent auctions held at the event. Major League Baseball’s 30 organizations help in any way they can. Hosted by Ron Dibble and renowned actors Brendan Fraser and Don Johnson, the atmosphere was warm, friendly and appreciative of the scouts, who were front and center tonight for their work and love of the game.
During the evening, the foundation presented honors to Goose Gossage, John Harrington, Whitey Herzog, the Alou family and George Brett. “Dennis gave me an award tonight and I told him you don’t have to give me an award because I’ll be back every year because it’s a great event,” Hall of Famer Brett said.
Jerry Reinsdorf believes the event has gotten bigger than he ever imagined. Reinsdorf’s organization has continued to be one of the foundation’s biggest supporters. “These people need help more than anyone.”
Attendees consider Dennis Gilbert’s efforts remarkable. Gilbert works to garner the support of the entire baseball community for what is a very worthwhile cause. “Scouts are a part of baseball history and they’re undercompensated, underappreciated and this helps make up for it a little bit,” Gilbert said.
With the Hyatt’s excellent cuisine and plenty of atmosphere for everyone, there was no question as to whether attendees enjoyed the event and the likelihood of returning next year. Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig was in attendance for the third consecutive year. “This is a wonderful testimonial and an honor to the people who give their lives to baseball and are the life blood of baseball.”
Gilbert attributes his success to the support he receives. “We have a lot of support, a lot of momentum,” Gilbert said, “We just have great people around us and a great board of directors. You can’t lose to those people.”
With another successful year of the event under his belt, we suspect Gilbert will only revel in the success of this year’s event for a moment before he begins planning for next year’s event. Event planners understand that these things don’t just happen. They take effort and initiative and if anyone knows that, it’s Gilbert.
As items were auctioned off and donations were made, it became clear that the love of baseball is still very much alive and kicking. Stars and talent scouts along with some of the industry’s movers and shakers made the event a huge success.
