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BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech head baseball coach Pete Hughes earlier announced the details for the Hokies’ fourth annual ‘Baseball Night in Blacksburg,’ and the featured speaker will be Tannersville, Va. native and five-time Major League all-star Billy Wagner.

The event, which is fast approaching and sponsored by Bull and Bones Brewhaus and Grill, will be held from 6-9 p.m., on February 12 in the west side stadium club of Lane Stadium. Tickets cost $75 per person ($35 for kids 13-and-under), and can be purchased by calling the Virginia Tech baseball office at (540) 231-3671. Space is limited.

In addition to the address by Wagner, ‘Baseball Night in Blacksburg’ will also include a dinner catered by Bull and Bones, silent and live auctions for various professional sports and Virginia Tech items, and a chance to meet the entire 2011 Virginia Tech baseball team.

For those interested in a more intimate experience, a private, open-bar reception with Wagner and other notable figures will be held from 5-6 p.m., prior to the public portion of the evening. Access to the private reception can be gained by purchasing a ticket for $200. A Home Run Package of eight tickets can be purchased for $1,500.

“We are excited that Billy Wagner has decided to help us celebrate the new season by speaking at what has become a phenomenal annual event,” Hughes said. “He represents southwestern Virginia very well, and he’s very popular in this area. He was the perfect choice for an event like this.”

Wagner, who played collegiately at Ferrum, was a relief pitcher who had a 17-year career with the Houston Astros (1995-2003), Philadelphia Phillies (2004-05), New York Mets (2006-09), Boston Red Sox (2009) and Atlanta Braves (2010). He was a five-time National League all-star (1999, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008) and was the recipient of the 1999 National League Rolaids Relief Award given to the top relief pitcher in each league. Wagner, a first round draft pick and the 12th player taken overall in 1993 by Houston, is currently ranked fifth on the career saves list with 422.

All proceeds of the banquet will go to Virginia Tech baseball and the Hokies’ efforts to improve various aspects of the program. The team has recently begun using the brand-new indoor baseball facility beyond the left-field foul pole at English Field, a facility that will be available for the team’s use year-round.

The Hokies will kick off their 2011 season on February 19 against Indiana in the Caravelle Resort Tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The Fourth Annual ‘Baseball Night in Blacksburg’
Featured speaker: Major League all-star Billy Wagner
Date: Saturday, February 12, 2011
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Lane Stadium, West Side Stadium Club
Adult tickets: $75
Youth tickets: (13-and-under): $35
Private reception: $200 per ticket, or a group of eight tickets for $1,500
For tickets and/or more info: VT baseball office – (540) 231-3671
Make checks payable to: Virginia Tech Baseball
Mail to: Virginia Tech Baseball, 210 Cassell Coliseum (0502), Blacksburg, VA 24061

For updates on Virginia Tech baseball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Baseball).