Florida Sports Hall of Fame Is Moving Its Annual Baseball, Bourbon and Cigars Event To Steinbrenner Field

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:44:42 +0000

Ginger Kane, Florida Sports Hall of Fame

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame is moving its annual Baseball, Bourbon and Cigars event on Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The event will feature Dave Magadan and Orestes Destrade, along with about a dozen additional Major League Baseball alumni and members of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

The intimate evening at the famed baseball stadium will showcase Tampa’s colorful baseball heritage and feature baseball legends, sampling of fine bourbons, a free cigar, music, and a panel hosted by Tampa sports broadcasting legend JP Peterson. Autographs will be available throughout the evening. Guests will also be treated to samplings of limited release bourbon/whiskey from Bardstown Bourbon, Knob Creek, Horse Soldier, Green River Distilling Company, Maker’s Mark, Hemingway Whiskey, Booker Noe, The Pointe Distillery.

After playing ball at Tampa Jesuit High School, Tampa native Dave Magadan went to the University of Alabama where in 1983 his .525 batting average led the entire NCAA and ultimately won him the Golden Spikes Award as the best amateur baseball player. He went on to spend 16 years in the major leagues playing for the Mets, Marlins, Mariners, Astros, Cubs, A’s and Padres.

Nicknamed the “Big O”, Orestes Destrade played first base for the Yankees, Pirates and Marlins before enjoying five seasons with the Seibu Lions of the Japan Pacific League. He served on the Tampa Bay Rays’ broadcast team for 11 seasons.

Other players planning to attend include pitchers Anthony Telford, Steve Foucault, Robin Fuson, Roy Smith, Nick Masset, Andy McGaffigan, Barry Cort, Adam Warren, Jeff Carstens, Dan Wheeler (former Tampa Bay Ray), Tampa native Brian Tolberg, OF Jason Michaels, FB Logan Morrison. The event also includes a robust silent and live auction featuring a stay in Key West at the Hemingway Distillery and a full day of offshore fishing with UnReel Fishing Outfitters. DJ Dougie Fresh will be providing the entertainment.

All-inclusive tickets are $125 per person or a two-person discounted ticket for $200. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at https://flasportshof.org/baseball-bourbon-cigars-2026/

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Florida Sports Hall of Fame Elects New Officers to Board of Directors

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:37:34 +0000

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the election of new officers to its esteemed Board of Directors, bringing a wealth of expertise and dedication to the organization.

The newly elected officers are:

Keyna Cory – President: Keyna Cory is President of Public Affairs Consultants. Keyna has been involved with sports her entire life. As a Junior Bowler, she was the Junior Orange Bowl Champion in 1972 and was a member of the University of Florida Bowling Team. Football has always been her passion, and she was the first woman to be chair of the Carquest Bowl in 1995. Over the years, she has worked with the late Jim Brown and his Amer-I-Can program and currently works with the bowl games in Florida on marketing opportunities.
John Reger – Secretary: John has an extensive background in all areas of the golf industry. As a 42-year member of the PGA of America, John has fulfilled a variety of roles including golf professional, tournament announcer, golf course owner, association officer, tournament player, broadcaster, consultant, golf manufacturer, promoter, golf writer, golf course developer and student of the game.
John Kearney – Treasurer: A former CPA, John has owned, operated and been an officer of many companies throughout his career. He is currently Chairman, CEO of Advance Training Systems, a developer of simulators for driving and training on the simulators. He is also Chairman of KML Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing grants to youth seeking an education.
Rick Hatcher – Past Chair: Rick is currently the Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He has more than 20 years’ experience in sports tourism and event management including Business Development Director for PSA Sports, Executive Director for two Sports Commissions and Sports Marketplace Coordinator for Connect Sports with Collinson Media and Events

As leaders in their respective fields, these officers bring a diverse set of skills and a shared passion for sports excellence to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. Their collective experience will play a crucial role in advancing the organization’s mission to honor and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Florida’s sports legends.

The board also elected two new members to the Board of Directors, Fred Hawkins, President Florida South State College and Ultima Espino, Director of Sports Partnerships with Orlando Health. They join the current board members Pedro Araujo; Dean Baker; Scott Bates; Ron Book; Nick Doyle; Steve Eaves; Jim McDavid; Chris Nicolas, Eli Nortelus, Gary Pyott, Nora Smith, Angela Suggs and Keith Tribble.

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame has a new Executive Director. Ginger Kane, who served on the Board of Directors for many years and was the organization’s first female board president has stepped into that role.

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of sports in the Sunshine State. With the addition of these new officers, the organization is poised to enter an exciting chapter, further solidifying its position as a premier institution in the world of sports recognition.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact Ginger Kane at ginger@flasportshof.org

About the Florida Sports Hall of Fame:

Since its establishment in 1961, The Florida Sports Hall of Fame has served as a driving force for celebration, inspiration and encouragement. By enshrining the state’s greatest sports figures, we use their inspirational stories, plus proceeds from our events and fundraising, to support organizations focused on encouraging Florida’s youth to participate in sports, especially those in underserved areas. he Florida Sports Hall of Fame attraction is housed in the MidFlorida Events Center in Port St. Lucie, FL. Visitors can walk among and view more than 60 memorabilia exhibits from some of Florida’s most well-known sports stars, including legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus; Coach Bobby Bowden; National Hot Rod Association legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits; golfer Andy Bean; tennis great Chris Evert; football legend Bob Griese, and many more. For more information, visit https://www.flasportshof.org/

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Florida Sports Hall of Fame Is Moving Its Annual Baseball, Bourbon and Cigars Event To Steinbrenner Field

Florida Sports Hall of Fame Elects New Officers to Board of Directors