Worcester Bravehearts to Host ‘Heart Stove’ for Boys and Girls Club

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

On January 15, the Worcester Bravehearts will host its first ‘Heart Stove,’ a reception and discussion of the current state of the country’s national pastime, to raise money for Worcester’s Boys and Girls Club

The panel will include Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons, New York Mets special assistant to the GM and Worcester native J.P. Ricciardi, and current MLB players Chris Colabello of Milford and Tyler Beede of Auburn.

"First of all, the Bravehearts have assembled a terrific panel. Peter Gammons is the most respected baseball writer in the country. No one has done more for people in Worcester and Central Mass than J.P. Ricciardi, and he does it all without any fanfare or publicity because he doesn't want any. J.P. has never forgot his roots and is always willing to help out, plus he knows so much about baseball and has such great stories that people will want to hear. You can't find a better person to talk about the future and present status of baseball," said Kevin Shea, Charter TV3 Sports Director and moderator of the 'Heart Stove' discussion.

"The event is going to be great. There's a lot of knowledgable people within the game of baseball on the panel. I'm looking forward to listening and learning a lot and at the same time sharing a little of my experiences and opinions on the future of the game. It's always great to be able to give back and influence the youth in the community, especially Worcester since it is such a large, diverse city with a lot of talent, resources and room to be inspired.We all look forward to being there," said Beede, who was selected in the first round of the MLB draft by the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants.

"Chris Colabello and Tyler Beede will add a great perspective as players. Colabello has such a great story of perseverance playing for the Worcester Tornadoes for seven years and then making it to the majors with the Minnesota Twins. Beede won a national title in college and was a first round draft pick of the Giants. The public will hear great stories and perspective from these panelists and they will be able to ask questions as well which will be a great opportunity," said Shea.

Tickets are $50 for general admission to the panel discussion and appetizers at the event. $75 V.I.P. tickets are available and include a reception with a meet and greet with the panelists, and a commemorative Bravehearts gift. Tickets are half price for children 12 and under. $10 from each ticket sale will go to the Boys and Girls Club.

Shea said,"There is no doubt it will be an insightful night, and a portion of the ticket price going to the Boys and Girls Club is a home run. Anyone who has ever gone to the club is awed by the great work that they do and what a positive impact they have on so many kids. I am really excited about this event.It's a once in a lifetime night."

In their inaugural season, the Bravehearts won the Future Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) championship. The Bravehearts compete against nine other teams from New England. The team is made up of home-grown local talent and players from local colleges.

The panel discussion and reception will take place at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester at 65 Tainter Street at 6:30 p.m.