Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation to Honor Earl Weaver at the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award Gala
Baseball Legend Earl Weaver to receive Lifetime Acheivement Award


/Baseball News Articles/ - SOUTHLAKE, TX, October 18, 2007 - Baseball Hall of Famer Earl Weaver has been named as the recipient of the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation's (BBYF) 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award . Mr. Weaver will be presented with his award at the Lifetime Achievement Award Gala scheduled for Friday, November 9th at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth.  

Earl Weaver, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996, had an incredibly successful managerial career with the Baltimore Orioles for seventeen seasons. He is ranked fifth all-time among 20th century managers with ten or more years of service, holding an outstanding .583 winning percentage. Mr. Weaver is one of only three managers that can claim winning at least one hundred games for three consecutive seasons; overall his teams had five 100+ win seasons. He is known for his innovative managerial style that won 1,480 games, six American League East Titles, four pennants, and the 1970 World Series.
 
Mr. Weaver was a baseball revolutionary, making extensive use of statistics and strategy when managing the Orioles. In the late 70's and early 80's he utilized platoon systems, a method of designating two players to a single defensive position in order to compliment offensive differences. Mr. Weaver pioneered the use of technology as well by using radar guns to track the velocity of pitches during spring training season. His book "Weaver on Strategy" discusses his approach to the game and his managerial philosophy.
 
But perhaps more well-known than his winning record and amazing managerial skills is the passion and raw emotion that he brought to every game. His zest for the game of baseball ensured that when you attended an Orioles game you might get more entertainment from Mr. Weaver than from the game itself. With ninety-one ejections—the equivalent of more than half a season—the "Earl of Baltimore" was chased from more games than all other managers of his era combined. His dedication to his team and enthusiasm for the game allowed him the confidence to always speak his mind. His colorful confrontations were always accompanied by an acerbic wit that thrilled the crowd. But he held no ill will against those he disagreed with—he actually saluted the men "who very seldom receive credit for a job well done...the umpires" at his Hall of Fame acceptance.  
 
It will be an incredible treat for all involved as Mr. Weaver joins special guests Lou Brock, Dr. Bobby Brown, Dan Jenkins, Tom Lasorda, Murphy Martin, Chuck Morgan, Bobby Valentine, Dick Williams, and Maury Wills to swap stories and tell tales at the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award Gala. The foundation will also honor the 2008 graduating seniors who, upon graduation from high school and acceptance to college, will receive the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation scholarships they were promised as 8th graders. 
 
Gala attendees will also have the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of another extraordinary man: Bobby Bragan, who will be celebrated for reaching his 90th birthday .
 
For information about sponsorships and to purchase tickets please contact Janet Cooper, Executive Director, Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation: 817.870.2300, bbyf@charterinternet.com,Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation


 

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