News
May 11, 2016“El Duque” at Center’s Aficionado Experience Evening
Four time World Series Champion Orlando Hernandez Pedroso, “El Duque,” who was a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, will be the sports celebrity guest at the 22nd annual An Aficionado Experience, a fundraiser for the Center for Disability Services, on Thursday, June 2, at 6 p.m, at the Pruyn House in Loudonville. The evening of fine food and mingling is presented by Northwestern Mutual.
Hernandez, who was born in Cuba, made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Yankees in 1998. He was with the Yankees for three consecutive World Series titles in 1998, 1999 and 2000, and remained with the team through 2002, and then returned for the 2004 season. As a Yankee, Hernandez was selected MVP of the American League Championship Series in 1999. His fourth World Series title was with the Chicago White Sox in 2005. He played on the Cuba national baseball team in the early 1990’s and was part of Cuba’s Olympic gold medal winning team at Barcelona in 1992.
An Aficionado Experience will feature fine cuisine, spirits, live and silent auctions and the chance to get an autograph and mingle with “El Duque.” Previous sports guests at this fundraiser include Tommy John (2015), Dwight “Doc” Gooden (2014), Sparky Lyle (2013), Lou Piniella (2012), Rick Cerone (2011), Roy White and Mickey Rivers (2010), Bucky Dent (2009) and Goose Gossage (HOF–2008).
The Center has a long alliance with the New York Yankees going back to the 1970’s. Past and present Yankees who have participated in Center fundraising events include: Gaylord Perry, (the late) Ryne Duren, Rusty Torres, Frank Tepedino, Goose Gossage, Jorge Posada, Joe Girardi, Bubba Crosby, Scott Proctor, Shelley Duncan, Brian Bruney, Bucky Dent, Brett Gardner, Ron Guidry, Roy White, Mickey Rivers, Rick Cerone, David Robertson, Lou Piniella, Joba Chamberlain, Willie Randolph, Cody Eppley, Sparky Lyle, Chris Chambliss, Shawn Kelley, Graig Nettles, Adam Warren and Didi Gregorius.
Tickets are $150 per person, $275 per couple or $1400 for a block of ten tickets. For information, contact the Center at 518.944.2107 or go to www.cfdsny.org.
