The Santa Barbara Foresters won their fifth NBC World Series title last August. (Eric Isaacs Photo)
The Santa Barbara Foresters baseball organization has plenty to celebrate at its annual Hot Stove Banquet on Sunday, February 8.
Not only are the Foresters inducting three new members into its Hall of Fame, but the Foresters are coming off a season having won their fifth NBC World Series title in the past 11 years. More importantly, one of the three inductees, Neil Medchill, helped save a life in 2014.
Ryan Spilborghs is scheduled to be the featured guest. The former MLB professional who played most of his career with the Colorado Rockies, Spilborghs is currently a broadcaster and analyst with the Rockies organization in Denver.
Spilborghs is already a Foresters Hall of Famer.
Joining him this year are Virgil Vasquez, Mike Pearl and Medchill.
Vasquez is a former player who went on to play for the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates. A local product who played at Santa Barbara High School and UCSB, Vasquez is now a pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins organization.
Pearl is a longtime supporter of the Foresters having served the organization for longer than anybody other than manager Bill Pintard. He’s currently on the Foresters’ Board of Directors and has served as president.
Medchill is another former player, manning the outfield for the 2008 championship team. Medchill is getting inducted for his performance off the field, however. He’s been an MVP for carrying on the spirit of the Foresters’ Hugs for Cubs program, going through the lengthy process of donating bone marrow to save a man’s life.
The Hot Stove Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on February 8 begins at 6 p.m. at Earl Warren Showgrounds. Tickets are $75 per adult and include an all-you-can-eat dinner. Tickets for students under 18 years of age are only $20. Ticket prices will be $20 more the day of the event.
Purchase tickets HERE
