(AKRON, OHIO) Dec. 3, 2018 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today the International Soap Box Derby® will be the charity benefactor from the 2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet on Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Akron. The Hot Stove Banquet will be headlined by Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, who played Roger Dorn in the classic hit movie “Major League” and directed the Soap Box Derby-themed “25 Hill.”
The third annual Hot Stove Banquet is presented by FirstEnergy. It will be a celebration of baseball to help get fans prepared for another exciting season from the RubberDucks and Cleveland Indians. Fans will have an opportunity to ask Bernsen about his acting career, which includes his famous role as Dorn in “Major League” and his time as Arnie Becker on the hit ’80s series L.A. Law. In 2011, he wrote, directed, and produced the Soap Box Derby-related film “25 Hill,” which helped provide extra funds to the long-standing Akron institution.
“We are pleased to be partnering with the RubberDucks for their kickoff Hot Stove Banquet,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of the Soap Box Derby. “Corbin Bernsen’s tie to ’25 Hill’ and ‘Major League’ are both classics, and we are grateful and proud to be this year’s recipient. This will help further our leadership, STEM education and racing programs in the Akron Community,” said Gerberich.
Bernsen previously appeared as a guest at Canal Park in July 2013, when he met fans and signed autographs while the team gave away Roger Dorn snow globes.
“It’s an honor to partner with an Akron institution such as the Soap Box Derby and help this great organization raise money for its mission of helping kids in the community,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “It will be an extra special Hot Stove because of Corbin’s connection to the Derby and his because of his beloved role as Roger Dorn from ‘Major League,’ which is a cult favorite of Indians fans around the country.”
The doors open at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails and silent auction, which will feature autographed items from current Indians and RubberDucks, as well as some unique items donated by corporate partners and other teams across baseball.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., a full-plated meal and dessert will be served (vegetarian option available), and the program and question-and-answer session will follow dinner. All attendees are guaranteed to receive Bernsen’s autograph, and they will have the opportunity to meet him after the program’s conclusion.
The Hot Stove Banquet is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $100 per person or $750 for a table, fans can call (330) 253-5151 or visit akronrubberducks.com. Space is limited. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26.
Bernsen most recently has starred as Henry Spencer on the USA Network’s hit original series Psych. He was first catapulted to stardom during the 1980s by the hit NBC TV series, L.A. Law, earning nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his performance as Arnie Becker. He played Roger Dorn in the “Major League” film series and starred in the movie “Hello Again.” He has several directing credits, including “Carpool Guy” and All-American Soap Box Derby film, “25 Hill.” He lives in Los Angeles and is from North Hollywood. Bernsen is a graduate of UCLA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater and a master’s degree in Playwriting.
2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet Details:
When: Fri., Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. (Doors), 6:30 p.m. (Dinner), with program and Q & A to follow
Where: Hilton Garden Inn – Akron (1307 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio, 44305)
Who: Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, aka Roger Dorn from “Major League”
What: Cocktails, Silent Auction, Dinner/Dessert, Program, Q & A Session, Autographs (guaranteed autograph per ticket)
Tickets (On sale Monday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.): $100 per person; $750 per table of eight; To purchase: (330) 253-5151 or akronrubberducks.com
Benefactor: International Soap Box Derby®
About the Akron RubberDucks
The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2019 season, powered by FirstEnergy, will be the franchise’s 23rd since moving to Akron. The 2019 Home Opener is on Thursday, April 4, at 6:35 p.m. vs. Altoona Curve.
For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks’ website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks. Tickets packages for the 2019 season can be ordered online or by calling 330-253-5151 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About the Soap Box Derby
The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities. The Derby’s Core Values and Drivers include: Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org.