Jan. 25, 2008

NEW YORK - New York Mets All-Star third baseman David Wright highlighted the second annual St. John's Baseball Bullpen Winter Banquet held on Thursday night at the New York Athletic Club. Over 250 people were in attendance for the event held to benefit the St. John's baseball program. The event featured a speech from Wright and also included award presentations to members of the team, an inside look at the 2008 season from head coach Ed Blankmeyer and numerous auctions.

"I was excited to be asked to come and speak," Wright said. "With Roger Clemens coming last year, I felt honored to be added to the list of names that have taken part in this event."

The two-time National League All-Star had been recruited out of high school by St. John's before being drafted by the Mets. "I have some really close friends involved in the St. John's baseball program," Wright added.

Prior to the dinner, Wright took the time to speak privately with the team and coaching staff for more than a half hour. The third baseman discussed his experiences in the minor leagues and with the Mets, and also answered questions from players and the coaching staff alike. Wright also provided insight into his approach to the game and gave tips on hitting and fielding.

"He was able to connect with us extremely well since he's so young," said senior pitcher Matt Tosoni. "You could just tell how much he enjoyed talking and spending time with us and answering our questions."

Wright, too, was impressed by the team during his talk. "They were extremely attentive and asked great questions."

"Our players really enjoyed having David come and speak with them," Blankeyer said. "I also thought that David was extremely gracious host and took the time to sign autographs and take pictures with the many in attendance."

Junior pitcher Scott Barnes and Brendan Monaghan, from the class of 2007, were both honored and presented with awards during the event, as well. Monaghan was awarded with the Peter P. Smith Most Valuable Player award after a 2007 season in which the catcher earned All-BIG EAST first team accolades and batted .321 and added 34 RBI. Barnes was presented with the Howie Gershberg award as the team's most outstanding pitcher after a 7-2 season in which he posted a 2.93 ERA during the 2007 campaign.

Following an appearance by Roger Clemens at the inaugural Baseball Bullpen Winter Banquet, the baseball program has quickly developed a great tradition with superstar caliber.

"Our bullpen banquet is truly a first class event," said Blankmeyer. "The fact that we can hold it in the city and bring in high profile athletes is a testament to our baseball program."

Tosoni echoed the comments made by his coach. "This event is really great for our program and has quickly turned into an outstanding tradition," Tosoni added. "It shows us how many people are behind our team to give us support."

Among the items available for auction were hats, jerseys and baseballs autographed by Wright, a pair of Mets tickets, a VIP ticket package at a New York Islanders game, and the opportunity to sit in the dugout as an honorary coach of a St. John's game during the 2008 season.

The St. John's baseball team begins the 2008 campaign on Feb. 22 with a game against Gardner-Webb. The Red Storm will play its first eight games in Rock Hill, South Carolina before heading to California for a four game set against Cal-State Northridge. St. John's opens at home against Long Island University on March 12.