New leadership, new site for Night of Memories; Goose Gossage, Andruw Jones special guests

EVANSVILLE – Canceled last year because of the pandemic, the Night of Memories is back, with an influx of younger leadership at a new location.

Ryan Berger has been promoted to Tri-State Hot Stove League president and the NOM youth charity fundraiser on Jan. 15 was moved to the Carson Center/Meeks Family Fieldhouse on the University of Evansville campus.

Special guests include National Baseball Hall of Fame reliever Goose Gossage and 10-time Gold Glove-winning outfielder Andruw Jones.

Berger, 41, has been involved with the Night of Memories for years. He replaced Larry Broerman, who retired as Hot Stove League president.

“We really wanted to bring it more into today’s world,” Berger said. “At the University of Evansville, we can play videos of our special guests. It’s a more central location."

He said the Vanderburgh 4-H Center served the NOM well as its location for more than 20 years. Berger noted that Broerman and former Hot Stove League Vice President Paul Gries will still be on hand.

“They’re not going anywhere,” Berger said. “It was an opportunity for younger guys to take it to today’s environment.”

Gossage, who began his career with the Chicago White Sox, shone the brightest for the New York Yankees from 1978-83. During that span, he was a four-time All-Star and saved 150 games. Gossage, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008, finished with 310 career saves. He made nine All-Star appearances.

Jones, who played for the Atlanta Braves from 1996-2007, was a five-time All-Star in addition to his 10 Gold Gloves.

Brownlee gains Legends Award

Former UE standout and longtime major league pitcher Andy Benes will be hand to help present former Aces coach Jim Brownlee with the Legends Award. Berger pointed out that future major leaguers Jamey Carroll, Sal Fasano and Benes, among others, all played under Brownlee, the winningest baseball coach in UE history. Current Aces coach Wes Carroll, who also played for Brownlee, will be in attendance.

More:Engelhardt: Jim Brownlee left lasting legacy as UE's winningest baseball coach

"I can't think of another baseball mind who deserves this honor more," Berger said of Brownlee. "It is well-deserved."

Contact Gordon Engelhardt by email at gordon.engelhardt@courierpress.com and follow him on Twitter @EngGordon.

NIGHT OF MEMORIES

What: Charity youth fundraiser includes special guests Goose Gossage and Andruw Jones. Other guests include Andy Benes, Jerad Eickhoff, Aaron Barrett, Colson Montgomery and Elijah Dunham.

Where: Carson Center/Meeks Family Fieldhouse, University of Evansville.

When: Autographs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; doors to the main event open for guests 21 and over only at 5.

Tickets: $25, can be purchased at any area high school athletic office or any Papa Murphy's Pizza location. Can also be purchased through hotstoveleague.org.  Children can attend the autograph event for free but must be accompanied by a paying adult.