Jan. 25, 2005
The University of Iowa baseball team will kick-off its 2005 season with the second annual Lead-Off Dinner Feb. 10 at the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Iowa City. A special VIP reception begins at 6 pm, with the dinner and program beginning at 7 pm.
The Lead-Off Dinner’s program will feature talks from Iowa baseball coach Jack Dahm and Jim Hendry, general manager of the Chicago Cubs. The Hawkeyes will also honor former UI stadnou Jim Cox and its 2004 senior class.
Silent and live auctions for sports memorabilia, including autographed items from Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Mark Prior, Paul Molitor, Robert Gallery, Magic Johnson will also be available. Suites for Cedar Rapids Kernels and Des Moines I-Cubs games, along with airfare, accommodations and the honor of throwing out the first pitch at aCubs vs. Rockies game August 19-20, will also be on the auction block.
Tickets for the dinner and program are $25 for adults, $15 for children 13 and under. Reserved seats are available for $50 and includes access to the VIP reception. Tables for nine guests can be reserved for $375. These purchases also gain access to the VIP reception.
Fans interested in attending should contact the Iowa Baseball office at (319) 335-9329. For more information on the Lead-Off Dinner, visit www.hawkeyesports.com.
Lead-Off Dinner Live Auction Items
Diamond Suite – Cedar Rapids Kernels Game
Enjoy a Cedar Rapids Kernels game in a beautiful Diamond Suite at Veterans Stadium. You can have up to twenty (20) guests in the suite. The game will be mutually agreed upon with purchaser and the Kernels. You’ll also receive a $100.00 certificate valid towards the purchase of food and drinks.
Luxury Suite – Iowa Cubs Game
Enjoy a Iowa Cubs game in the comfort of a luxury suite at the recently remodeled Principal Park. You can have up to twenty (20) guests in the suite. The game will be mutually agreed upon between the purchaser and the Iowa Cubs. You’ll also receive a $100.00 certificate valid towards the purchase of food and drinks.
Chicago Cubs Tickets and Tour
You will receive four (4) tickets to two (2) games (except Opening Day, Red Sox, White Sox or Cardinals series) and be on the field during the Chicago Cubs batting practice. Valid for games played on Monday-Friday only.
Colorado Rockies Dream Package
You will receive four (4) tickets to the Chicago Cubs v. Colorado Rockies game on August 19 and 20, 2005 in Denver. Package includes airfare for four (4), two (2) hotel rooms, $100.00 certificate valid towards food and drinks at the Sports Column (across the street from the ballpark). You will also throw out the first pitch at one of these games.
Throwback Uniform
The Iowa Hawkeyes celebrated their history during the 2004 college football season with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of historic Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes turned back the college football clock with the staging of the “Throwback Game”. The limited edition, framed game uniform and helmet reminiscent of the 1930s, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – Priceless!
Iowa Baseball Coach for a Game
One (1) individual will have the opportunity to be in uniform, take batting practice with the Hawkeyes, coach first base for two innings and sit in the dugout throughout the entire game. Valid only on April 20 or 27. The perfect opportunity for you to suit up in the black and gold!
Throwback Game Banner
Limited edition (one of four) banner that was displayed on the exterior of historic stadium during the “Throwback Game” on September 4, 2004 against Kent State. The banner measures 5′ x 68′.
Authentic Section of Seats from Kinnick Stadium
Limited, authentic section of four (4) seats recovered from the south end zone of historic Kinnick Stadium during the renovation of 2004. The seats come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Authentic Brick from Kinnick Stadium
Limited, authentic brick recovered from the south end zone of historic Kinnick Stadium. During the renovation of 2004. The brick comes with a Certificate of Authenticity autographed by Kirk Ferentz.
The Catch
Limited edition 8″ x 20″ picture autographed by Warren Holloway catching the game winning touchdown as time expired in the 2005 Capital One Bowl.
Kerry Wood Jersey
Authentic game jersey autographed by current Chicago Cubs ace Kerry Wood. The jersey is not available in stores and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Lead-Off Dinner Silent Auction Items
1. Autographed 8 x 10 picture of current New York Yankee and five time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson.
2. Autographed 8 x 10 picture of current Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior.
3. Official MLB autographed by 2001 Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett.
4. Official MLB autographed by 1994 Hall of Famer Steve Carlton.
5. Official MLB autographed by 1999 Hall of Famer Robin Yount.
6. Official MLB autographed by 2004 Hall of Famer Paul Molitor.
7. Autographed 16 x 20 picture of 2001 Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett.
8. Official Louisville Slugger bat autographed by current Minnesota Twins star Jacque Jones.
9. Official Louisville Slugger bat autographed by former Hawkeye and current Iowa Cubs shortstop Nate Frese.
10. Official MLB autographed by 1997 Hall of Famer Phil Niekro.
11. Official MLB autographed by 1984 Cy Young Award winner Rick Sutcliffe.
12. Official MLB autographed by 1962 Hall of Famer Bob Feller.
13. Autographed 8 x 10 picture of 2001 Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.
14. Autographed 8 x 10 picture of 1996 Hall of Famer Earl Weaver.
15. Autographed 8 x 10 picture of Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca – “The Shot Heard Around the World”.
16. Official MLB autographed by Darryl Strawberry.
17. Autographed 8 x 10 picture of future Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven.
18. Official MLB autographed by 2004 Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley.
19. Official MLB autographed by 2001 Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.
20. Official MLB autographed by Indianola native and current Cleveland Indians infielder Casey Blake.
21. Four (4) tickets to watch former Hawkeye Wes Obermueller and the Milwaukee Brewers. Game to be mutually agreed upon between both parties.
22. Official MLB autographed by former Hawkeye and current Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Wes Obermueller.
23. Official Rawlings embroidered baseball glove autographed by former Hawkeye football and baseball standout and former Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers outfielder Bo Porter.
24. Iowa batting helmet autographed by the entire 2005 Iowa baseball staff and team.
25. Iowa baseball autographed by the entire 2005 Iowa baseball staff and team.
26. Iowa bat autographed by the entire 2005 Iowa baseball staff and team.
27. Iowa baseball hat autographed by head coach Jack Dahm.
28. Round of golf with Iowa Head Coach Jack Dahm at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City. Valid for three (3) individuals.
29. “Bat Kid for a Day” – your son or daughter can be on the field and be apart of the action for any Iowa home baseball game. Child must be age nine or older.
30. Outback Bowl mini-football autographed by former all-American kicker and current San Diego Charger Nate Keading and Kirk Ferentz.
31. Pair of tickets to the Iowa-Iowa State football game on September 10, 2005 at Jack Trice Stadium.
32. Four (4) tickets to the 2005 College World Series in Omaha on June 17-24. (Not available for the championship games)
33. Four (4) tickets to the Chicago Bulls-Houston Rockets game on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at the United Center in Chicago.
34. Autographed basketball by the entire Iowa men’s basketball coaching staff.
35. Autographed Indiana basketball autographed by legendary coach Bobby Knight.
36. Miniature Oakland Raiders football helmet autographed by former Hawkeye great Robert Gallery.
37. Miniature Iowa Hawkeye football helmet autogrpahed by former head coach Hayden Fry.
38. Mini-football autographed by legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.
39. Autographed Sports Illustrated by 1979 National Player of the Year and former Los Angles Laker great Magic Johnson.
40. Autographed replica Chicago Bulls jersey by former Sioux City standout and Kansas all-American Kirk Hinrich.
41. Cedar Rapids Kernels pin strip black and gold jersey.
42. Hotel accommodations for one night at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Iowa City. Includes breakfast the following morning. Reservations based upon availability and cannot be used on special event dates.
43. Beautiful Amber and Sterling Silver bracelet and matching earrings from Silpada Designs.
Silent Auction list subject to change.