The Hot Stove with Gary Cohen Will Heat Up Ridgefield Again!
The Ridgefield Library’s fourth Hot Stove with Gary Cohen -- award-winning play-by-play announcer for New York Mets TV broadcasts – is THIS Saturday, February 17!
One of the Library’s top fundraising programs, the Hot Stove event consistently delights fans of the Mets and its SNY broadcast crew (affectionately known as “Gary, Keith and Ron”).
While this event is SOLD OUT, we wanted to share our interview with Hot Stove moderator David Yaun about this year’s program. In addition, there are fabulous items you can BID on (even if you are not attending the event). Visit https://rl2024hotstove.ggo.bid/
What can attendees expect during the Hot Stove Event?
I’m tempted to answer “the unexpected,” because each and every time we do a Hot Stove, it is completely different from the last one! What I can say is that Mets fans are going to get at least 90 minutes of conversation with one of the most knowledgeable and compelling baseball voices ever. Gary is an encyclopedia of Mets history, but he’s also funny and engaging and so quick on his feet that the program just flies by.
This year, we’ll surely talk about his induction into the Mets Hall of Fame, the new Mets GM and manager, roster changes, and maybe even the Ramones, dog breeds and favorite ballpark foods. They’re might even be a t-shirt toss. And, of course, we’ll talk about Keith Hernandez. Everyone wants the latest on Keith!
What sort of memorabilia and experiences are up for auction this year?
The Hot Stove auction drives a big part of our fund-raising efforts, and this year we have the best packages ever. Citibank and the New York Mets have each provided tickets for games, and Lynn and Gary Cohen are graciously donating their season tickets for a game, complete with a visit to the SNY booth – so you may get to meet Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling too! (No promises!)
We also have an ultra-rare game-used framed scorecard personally signed by Keith and available nowhere else. A perennial favorite is a bottle of Tom Seaver’s outstanding GTS cabernet, which is not available in stores, and this year available with a replica of the statue that now sits outside Citi Field.
How does the Hot Stove support the Library’s mission?
One of the things that makes the Ridgefield Library so special is the volume and variety of programs that it hosts for the community. That said, when I was on the Library’s board back in 2016, one of our priorities was to further expand the audience for these programs and to create events for groups beyond our traditional demographics.
The Hot Stove draws people from all across the tri-state area – we’ve even had fans come from as far away as western Ohio – and also appeals to more men and family groups than some of the other things we do. Teaming with the Cohens, long-time members of the Ridgefield community, made a ton of sense because Gary is literally the best broadcaster in the business and has a huge and devoted following.
Will Gary’s fans be able to get autographs and photos?
Fans are blown away each year by just how gracious and approachable Gary is. Our program lasts at least an hour and a half, but immediately after it ends, Gary invites fans on stage and signs a special commemorative Hot Stove certificate as well as poses for photos with all who want one. He gives his all to make sure that Mets fans have a special day. (And after the Hot Stove, fans can meet up at our official after-event at 850 Degrees or get ice cream and sweets from our partner Deborah Ann’s!)
For tickets, click here.