|
|
|
Arguably one of the most coveted items of Monday evening’s auction will be an autographed baseball by Major League Hall of Famers, Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr. A scheduled part of “John Grisham on American Treasures: Books, Baseball & ‘Boo,’” the auction will begin at 8:30 p.m. |
Excitement is almost palpable on the Delta State campus, as the date nears for what is sure to be a “once-in-a-lifetime” evening with John Grisham and legendary Statesmen baseball coach, Dave “Boo” Ferriss reuniting for the first time in 34 years.
Event details are currently being finalized by the planning committee, as the program, “John Grisham on American Treasures: Books, Baseball & ‘Boo,’” is just six days away. A 6 p.m. reception will precede the night’s program, which is set to begin at 7:30 inside the Bologna Performing Arts Center. Following an entertaining hour of storytelling and joyful reminiscing by Grisham and Ferriss, a live auction will begin at 8:30 p.m.
Athletic Director Jeremy McClain predicts, “The entire evening is obviously special, but I truly believe the live auction will be as much fun as anything we do.
“We really tried to use our theme for the event – ‘Books, Baseball & ‘Boo’’ – as our guide in collecting the auction items, and I feel very confident that we are going to be able to offer our guests a diverse sampling of items – something for everyone,” he continued.
Among the items creating an early stir are an autographed set of Grisham’s 21 novels, as well as the opportunity to have your name appear in his next novel.
For the sports enthusiasts in the audience, arguably one of the most coveted items will be an autographed baseball by Major League Hall of Famers, Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr.
Generously donated from Ferriss’ personal memorabilia collection, McClain acknowledged, “We all know how fortunate we are to have Coach Ferriss in our lives. He means so much to this University and this program, but his continued generosity to make events successful on this campus just amazes me. Obviously, this baseball is priceless. You can’t go out and purchase another one like this.”
Other items include a Jonathan Papelbon autographed Boston Red Sox jersey. The former Mississippi State stand-out pitcher hurled the final strike of the 2007 World Series.
Also confirmed on the auction list is a father and son trip with the Statesmen baseball team during the 2008 season. Autographed baseballs signed by MLB professionals Rick Ankiel and Albert Pujols will also be sold to the highest bidder. A Johan Santana signed jersey will also be available to the baseball enthusiasts in the audience.
Tickets are $100 to the event and are available at the Delta State Department of Athletics or online at www.GoStatesmen.com.
Event organizers are urging interested parties to purchase tickets prior to the event.
For more information, please contact DSU Athletics at (662) 846-4289 or email us at athletics@deltastate.edu.
