ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Head coach Tod Brown and the University of New Mexico baseball program have released the details for their annual First Pitch Banquet. The event is set for Jan. 21, 2022, at 5 p.m. (MT) at The Event Center at Sandia Golf Club and will feature special guest Steve Garvey and honoree Ray Birmingham.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968, special guest Steve Garvey played 18 seasons from 1969 to 1987 in Major League Baseball for the Dodgers and San Diego Padres. He earned a well-decorated career as a major leaguer, including a 10-time All Star, World Series Champion with the Dodgers in 1981, National League MVP, four-time Gold Glove winner and two-time NLCS MVP. The Padres retired No. 6, which he wore while playing in San Diego.
Ray Birmingham, former Lobo Baseball head coach, will be honored at the banquet, as well. He ended his 43-year coaching career as the winningest baseball coach in the state of New Mexico (1232 wins) and in the Mountain West Conference. He spent 14 seasons and ranked up 406 wins with UNM. Before UNM, he coached at New Mexico Junior College from 1990-2007 and College of the Southwest from 1988-89.
The banquet is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and will feature cocktails, dinner and an auction. For tickets or VIP sponsorship, contact Paige Blomker at (505)250-8489 or owner4032@merrymaids.net.