William Jessup Honoring Baseball Greats Derrek Lee And Greg Vaughn

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Former Major League Baseball Manager and Sacramento legend Jerry Manuel is partnering with William Jessup University for a baseball fundraising dinner Friday, Feb. 27.

William Jessup will be honoring local baseball greats Derrek Lee and Greg Vaughn at its special fundraising gala next week at the University. Tickets are still available for the event, which begins at 6 p.m.

The event raises money for two great causes: The Jerry Manuel Foundation and the William Jessup University baseball program, which is in its inaugural season.

"William Jessup has done a tremendous job with us as well," said Manuel, a Cordova High product who played in the major leagues and also managed the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. "We are collaborating with William Jessup and this soiree is just thanking Derek and Greg for all they have done for Sacramento baseball."

The Jerry Manuel Foundation, which was founded by Manuel, helps younger boys, specifically African Americans, learn the fundamentals of baseball and also gain leadership skills.

"We believe that here in Sacramento there's a plethora of talent, especially baseball." Manuel said. "We've been missing that, and even at the major league level we have not seen a number of African Americans."

The Warriors play their home games in Marysville and began the season in late January. The University becomes the third area four-year college with a baseball program, joining Sacramento State and UC Davis.

The gala will include many baseball greats and also feature a "through the years" baseball uniform fashion show, an elegant dinner catered by Bon Appetite, and heartfelt comments from Manuel and WJU President John Jackson about the future of baseball and education for the future of the Capital region.

Event Details:

What: Baseball Soiree: A Night to Remember
When: Friday, Feb. 27
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: William Jessup University in Rocklin
Call for tickets: 916.577.2366
Purchase tickets online: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/wju-jmf-baseball-soiree-a-night-to-remember-tickets-14488719149