A special event honoring former New York Yankee pitcher Jim Coates will take place from 5-8 p.m. May 11 at Corrottoman Baptist Church, 48 Ottoman Ferry Road, Ottoman.
A ticketed meet-and-greet event is planned with several other professional baseball, football and basketball players invited. Former Detroit Tigers Johnny Grubb and NBA star Dudley Bradley are already committed, said Carroll Lee Ashburn.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for ages 6-10 and free for ages 5 and under. Proceeds will go to Jim Coates. The menu will include barbecue pork, fried chicken with baked beans, coleslaw, green beans and potatoes.
Coates was one of the best Yankee pitchers in the early 50s, with several World Series appearances, said Ashburn. He also pitched in an All Star game and actually has the claim to be one of a few Major League pitchers to win two games in one day.
He is a member of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and a charter member of the Northern Neck Sports Wall of Fame, he said.
“Fans and friends are urged to come out on May 11 and honor the Northern Neck’s favorite pro baseball star, Jim Coates,” said Ashburn.
Tickets can be purchased at Lee’s Restaurant, Lester’s Barber Shop, The Sports Centre, the Kilmarnock Museum, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office or by calling 296-0930.
The event is sponsored by longtime Coates family friend, Billy Gray.
