Hazleton Area native and Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon is hosting his 5th annual Hazleton Integration Project’s five-day holiday bash.
Here’s a rundown of the events:
Wednesday Dec. 16 5 to 9 p.m. Coaching the Coaches Baseball Clinic in the gymnasium at the Hazleton One Community Center (225 East 4th Street). The event will provide baseball coaches, from Little League to the collegiate level, a professional’s perspective at teaching baseball fundamentals. The NL Manager of the Year will be joined by Tampa Bay Rays pitching coach, Jim Hickey, former MLB great Jose Cardenal, sports psychologist Ken Ravizza Penn State head coach Rob Cooper, Minor league hitting instructor Andy Haines, catching coach Mike Borzello and Scranton’s own Paul McGloin who will focus on base-running. Tickets are required for the event.
Thursday, Dec. 17, 5 p.m. “Fireside Chat” with Maddon, Cubs great Rick Sutcliffe and ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian at the Hazleton One Community Center. Advance tickets required
Friday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Maddon and HIP’s 5th Annual Holiday Banquet at Genetti’s Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. Maddon, Manny Ramirez, Jose Cardenal, Dallas Cowboys star Ed “Too Tall” Jones, MLB Ambassador of Inclusion Billy Bean. There will be a“silent auction” of Sports Memorabilia. (Tickets available)
Saturday, Dec. 19 7 p.m. Hazleton’s Kids Have Talent at the Alice C. Wiltsie Performing Arts Center at the Historic Castle.
Sunday, Dec. 20 noon – 3 p.m. Joe Maddon’s 5th Annual Thanksmas in Hazleton at the Hazleton One Community Center. Maddon’s spaghetti and meatballs, pierogies, jerk chicken and roasted pork will be on the menu for the area’s neediest citizens. Open to all economically disadvantaged families. No tickets required
For information or tickets, call the Hazleton One Community Center at 570-861-8081 or email hazletonintegrationproject@gmail.com
