Pride of Pierson comes through again for DeLand college program
Photo for Headline Surfer® / Retired Atlanta Braves perennial all-star third baseman Chipper Jones is the main attraction attraction for a golf tournament and gala in his name Thursday and Friday , Feb. 13-141at the LPGA course in Daytona Beach, with Stetson baseball the benefactor.DAYTONA BEACH -- The two-day 2014 Chipper Jones Stetson Baseball Golf Classic is set for next month at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, the primary fundraiser for the Stetson baseball, said Chris Belvin, assistant detractor of athletic communication for the university.
The classic is being held in The Thursday and Friday dates in conjunction with the start of Stetson’s 2014 season, which begins that Thursday against against Ole Miss. in DeLand.
"One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Stetson baseball," Belvin emphasized in a press release to Headline Surfer®. "All participants will receive tickets to Stetson’s game against Ole Miss, among other amenities.
Pete Dunn, head baseball coach for the Stetson baseball squad is all too familiar with what Chipper Jones has meant to the sucess of the team over the years. He also happens to be Chipper Jones' godfather.
“Chipper has always been committed to, and supportive of, the program as evidenced by his past golf tournaments in Atlanta and Orlando," Dunn said, adding, “We are extremely happy and excited that he’s going to return to his hometown area and put on a golf fundraiser here on opening weekend."
Dunn added, "On behalf of the Stetson baseball family, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to Chipper, Larry, Lynne and the Jones Family Foundation for their continued support.”
Larry and Lynne Jones are Chipper Jones' parents, who live in Pierson where they raised their son. The elder Jones was a Stetson assistant baseball coach from 1994-2000.
Jones, who spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves and 1999 National League MVP, is an almost-certain lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer like his former teammates, pitcher Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, who were selected for induction into the Hall this month, along with former Chicago White Sox first baseman/designated hitter Frank Thomas.
Jones, who spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves and 1999 National League MVP, is an almost-certain lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer like his former teammates, pitcher Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, who were selected for induction into the Hall this month, along with former Chicago White Sox first baseman/designated hitter Frank Thomas.
The Chipper Jones Stetson Baseball Classic features a two-day format for all participants. The festivities begin with a Valentine Fundraising Gala on Thursday, Feb. 13, at LPGA International. The Gala includes a cocktail hour and silent auction, dinner, and entertainment with a live auction. The golf tournament is set for Friday, Feb. 14.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Lunch and an awards banquet will take place upon conclusion of play. Stetson and Ole Miss square off at 6:30 p.m. Several different sponsorship and/or playing opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Larry Watson in the Stetson Athletics department at (386) 822-7713 or lwatson@stetson.edu.