2023 Night of Memories features all-star lineup of baseball legends

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - The 23rd annual Night of Memories made its return to the Carson Center at the University of Evansville on Saturday.

The event was loaded with former Major League Baseball stars, including former Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain, former Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets outfielder George Foster, as well as former MLB standouts Graig Nettles and Darrell Evans.

Multiple baseball legends from the Tri-State also made an appearance, such as Evansville natives Don Mattingly and Jerad Eickhoff, along with several minor league stars: Southridge graduate Colson Montgomery, Reitz alumnus Elijah Dunham and North graduate Cameron Decker.

“I always like doing it,” said Mattingly, a former New York Yankees All-Star first baseman and MLB manager. “I get to see some of the guys I played against, but I also get to see some of the younger guys who are coming through.”

“It’s cool seeing a lot of these guys,” said Montgomery, a minor league player with the Chicago White Sox. “It’s my first time seeing Don Mattingly in my life. I’ve only seen him on TV and stuff. It’s also exciting seeing all these fans here too. They see you, and that just makes their day.”

Saturday’s event is the main fundraiser for the Tri-State Hot Stove League. Over the years, the Night of Memories has raised over $2 million, which is distributed to local youth organizations, athletic programs and other nonprofit groups.

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