READING, PA. – The Reading Hot Stovers are hosting their annual banquet, bringing together Phillies greats Doug Glanville, Von Hayes, and Bob Dernier as this year’s keynote speakers.
“When they called me and asked me to do heck yeah, I mean this is what it’s all about. I remember coming to these events when I was when I was a kid in high school and getting awards and all of us played for the Phillies, but we’re all centerfielders. First thing I thought, heck, if I’m on this team of 32 guys, the three of us I gotta move back to the infield again.” Said Von Hayes.
Doug Glanville stated, “Student athletes get an opportunity through to be exposed to a lot of things, and they can be pillars of their community setting examples by being centerpieces from where they come from and education brings it all together because that’s where you can find that next love.”
Bob Dernier added, “You have to have some faith, you gotta be willing to work hard and mostly you have to believe in yourself and let the chips fall in your hand. Do it while you’re young. Work when nobody’s looking. And the second thing for me is having a belief system in your heart of hearts that even if others don’t believe, and there would be a long line of those people that you do.”
This year, the all-volunteer nonprofit will be awarding 10 scholarships and awards to Berks County student-athletes. They will support high school baseball and softball players who shine on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.