Photo by Keith Allison
Provided by Wikimedia Commons

By Sam Coombs

Former Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon will forever be known to Red Sox fans for his long hair, hard play, speed and to help end the 86 year World Series drought in 2004. Despite going to the Yankees after playing for the Red Sox he is widely respected throughout Red Sox Nation. Damon will be making an appearance on January 16th in Portland, Maine for the annual Sea Dogs Hot Stove Dinner which helps benefit Maine Children’s Cancer Research. 2014’s guest at this dinner included Red Sox players: Jackie Bradley Jr. and Brandon Workman.

This event is being held at the Sable Oaks Marriott in South Portland and only 300 tickets will be available for the event. Tickets are $50, which includes a silent auction bidding where attendees can bid on different items available, a buffet dinner and signed 8 x 10 picture of Johnny Damon. Damon will also speak at this event.

Damon was an 18 year veteran in the league and won two World Series, one was with the Red Sox and one with the Yankees being one of the few players in history to win a championship with both teams. He also played for the Royals, Athletics, Indians, Rays and Tigers. His best years were with the Red Sox where he had two all star appearances and is best known for his grand slam hit in game 7 of the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees.

All proceeds from this dinner and silent auction will be going towards the Strike Out Cancer in Kids Program, which has been around since 1995 and has raised over 4 million dollars for cancer research. Other than this dinner, any time during the season a Portland Sea Dogs pitchers has a strikeout, money is donated to this cause.

This event is a great chance to meet a former MLB star and help benefit a good cause. Tickets can be purchased through the Portland Sea Dogs ticket office, online or by phone at 207-879-9500 and the doors will open for the event at 5:30 p.m.