DURHAM, N.C. (NCCUEaglePride.com) – Local radio legend and baseball aficionado Tony Riggsbee has been named the master of ceremonies for North Carolina Central University’s First Pitch Dinner and Silent Auction slated for this Saturday evening, Feb. 4, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Marriott Durham City-Center in downtown Durham, N.C.
 
“Tony is a well-known and respected baseball person in the Triangle,” said NCCU head baseball coach Jim Koerner.  “He will certainly bring a familiar voice to a great event and I’m ecstatic to have him be our master of ceremonies.”
 
Riggsbee is currently the public address announcer for a number of teams in collegiate and professional baseball, including the Durham Bulls, NC State, the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals during Spring Training, and the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League. 
 
Along with his current duties at ballparks nationwide, he’s a member of the International League Hall of Fame ballot committee and executive director of the Raleigh Hot Stove League since 2002.
 
“I am delighted to be asked to serve as emcee for NCCU’s First Pitch Dinner,” said Riggsbee. “It is exciting to be a part of this new chapter in the Eagles baseball program.  Coach Koerner is just the man to lead the building of a great Division I program.  His enthusiasm will serve the university and the Triangle well.  Good times are ahead at the Durham Athletic Park.”
 
Since 1977, Riggsbee has been a mainstay on the radio around the area from his stint at Triangle stalwart Newsradio 680 WPTF till 2004, WDNC 620 AM and 850 WRBZ “The Buzz” from 2004-2009 as a morning show host and sports anchor.
 
Four-time major league all-star Tommy John will also be on hand as the keynote speaker of Saturday’s event.
 
Fans can enjoy the event for just $75 for a single ticket or a sponsorship package for $1000 that includes nine guests plus a former major league player at the sponsor’s table, sponsorship recognition during the event, nine signed baseballs by all major league alumni in attendance, NCCU baseball apparel package, two free raffle tickets for MLB memorabilia, and two free tickets to NCCU’s basketball doubleheader against Savannah State on Saturday, Feb. 11.
 
Light hors d’oeuvres will be served from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which will be followed by the main course.
 
There will also be a silent auction where fans can bid on signed baseball memorabilia in addition to the raffle that fans can partake in.
 
Proceeds for this event will benefit the NCCU baseball program and Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association charities of choice.
 
For those interested in attending the “First Pitch” dinner, contact head baseball coach Jim Koerner at 919-530-6723 or e-mail him at jkoerner@nccu.edu.
 
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