Blake Swihart Headlines Sea Dogs Hot Stove Dinner

January 15th Event Benefits the Maine Children's Cancer Program 

Portland, Maine- Boston Red Sox catcher and former Sea Dogs' player Blake Swihart has been announced as the featured guest at the Sea Dogs 2016 Hot Stove Dinner and Silent Auction, which benefits the Maine Children's Cancer Program.  The event will take place on Friday, January 15th at 5:30 PM at the Sable Oaks Marriott in South Portland.  Sea Dogs' pitcher Robby Scott is also expected to attend the event.  Additional guests will be announced.

Tickets for the event are now on sale. Tickets are $50.00 and are limited to 300. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Hadlock Field Ticket Office, by phone at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.  Doors open at 5:30 PM with the Silent Auction running from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.  A buffet dinner will be served at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM.  Everyone who attends will receive an autographed 8 X 10 photo of Swihart.

Swihart entered the 2015 season ranked as Boston's number one prospect according to Baseball America.  After starting the season in Triple-A Pawtucket, he made his Major League debut on May 2nd against the New York Yankees going 1-for-3.  In his first Major League season Swihart hit .274 (79-for-288) with 17 doubles, one triple, five home runs, 31 RBI, and 47 runs scored in 84 games.  Swihart spent most of the 2014 season with the Portland Sea Dogs where he was the Sea Dogs MVP, an Eastern League All-Star, and Baseball America's Minor League Catcher of the Year.  In 92 games with the Sea Dogs Swihart hit .300 (104-for-347) with 23 doubles, 12 home runs, and 55 RBI.  Additionally, he threw out a league best 45.7% of attempted base runners and did not allow a passed ball all season.

Scott is a two-time Eastern League All-Star with the Sea Dogs.  The left-handed reliever notched an 8-2 record with a 1.96 ERA and three saves in 35 games in 2014.  He returned to the Sea Dogs in 2015 compiling 1-1 record with a 2.06 ERA in 25 games and earned a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket.

All proceeds from the dinner and silent auction will benefit the official charity of the Portland Sea Dogs'; the Strike Out Cancer in Kids Program.  The Strike Out Cancer in Kids Program was established in 1995 to raise money for the Maine Children's Cancer Program.  For every strikeout that a Sea Dogs' pitcher throws money is raised through generous pledges of businesses and individuals.  In the 19 year history of the program more than four million dollars has been raised.  For more information on the Strike Out Cancer in Kids Program log onto www.seadogs.com.

The Sea Dogs open the 2016 season on April 7th against the Reading Fightin Phils in Reading, PA.  The home opener is set for Thursday, April 14th at 6:00 PM against the Hartford Yard Goats.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs ticket office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.