NEWPORT GULLS SUPPORTERS PROVE “THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME” 
 

Annual Hot Stove Dinner and Auction Raises $22,000 to Support Team Operations 
 
NEWPORT, RI – The Newport Gulls successfully raised $22,000 to support the organization’s operations during its 4^th Annual Hot Stove Dinner and Auction on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel in Newport.  
 

In keeping with the theme “There’s No Place Like Home,” the evening highlighted the role that Newport and Cardines Field have come to play not only in the lives of Gulls fans and host families, but also in the lives of many players and seasonal residents. Those familiar with the “Irish Brigade” that infiltrated Cardines last summer were pleasantly surprised to see Killian Nolan and Colin McDonnell return “home” to Newport from the Emerald Isle for the event.  
 

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee delighted the crowd as the featured speaker. Steve Hyder, the voice of the Pawtucket Red Sox, served as master of ceremonies. Bidders went to battle over auction items including a group sail on the renowned Aurora, four tickets to the Red Sox plus dinner with former General Manager Lou Gorman before the game, a Tom Brady football and a Marriott 2-day dinner-spa-and-stay package. 
 

The Hot Stove Dinner and Auction is the primary fund-raiser to support Newport Gulls operations during the off season. This year, more than 100 items were donated by local businesses for both the live and silent auctions. 
 

Since moving to Newport in 2001, the Gulls have captured the New England Collegiate Baseball League Fay Vincent Jr. Cup three times and have gone to the playoffs all seven years. College baseball players are recruited from the top programs in the United States, and all are prospects for the Major League Baseball draft.  
 

Playing in historic Cardines Field, one of Baseball America’s top picks to catch summer baseball, the Newport Gulls provide high quality baseball in a family friendly atmosphere. A 501.c.3 Non-Profit Organization, the Newport Gulls have also contributed more than $50,000 to the community and local charities through game day 50/50 raffles, summer camp scholarships, auction items and appearances. In 2006 the Newport Gulls also established a scholarship program benefiting male and female athletes from Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth high schools.   
 

The Newport Gulls open their 2008 season on June 6 against the Pittsfield Dukes at Cardines Field at 6:35 p.m. The team just announced the return of Head Coach Mike Coombs along with Assistant Coaches Scott Virgulak and Rey Fuentes. Additional information is available at www.newportgulls.com.