The 52nd Anniversary Hot Stove Gala will take place on Thursday, February 7th at the New Exhibit Hall Convention Center in Downtown Fresno. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

The dinner event benefits the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages community programs such as Wild About Reading, Junior Grizzlies, Farm Grown and Swing For Kids. The GCF also supports other local non-profits with donations of memorabilia and Grizzlies game tickets.

As with every Hot Stove Gala, there is a wonderful lineup of guest speakers in 2013. Fresh off pitching in the World Series, Ryan Vogelsong* of the San Francisco Giants and Doug Fister of the Detroit Tigers will be on hand to share their baseball experiences. Also, Grizzlies manager Bob Mariano, who is returning for his second season at the helm of the Grizzlies in 2013, will be a guest speaker.

*Vogelsong will not be able to attend as previously announced. George Kontos has been added to the guest speaker lineup.

Tickets for the event are now available by calling (559) 320-2547. Tickets for adults are $75 and $30 for children (12 and under). An All-Star table (includes 10 tickets) is available for $700. All guests are asked to RSVP by Thursday, January 31, 2013.

In addition to the guest speakers, awards will be presented to local high school athletes in baseball and softball. The Al Radka Award will also be announced on the night of the dinner. The Al Radka Award is given to an individual who brings the community together through the game of baseball.

There will be a silent auction as well during the evening featuring autographed memorabilia and other valuable items. All funds raised through the auction benefit the GCF.