Two-time World Series Champion George Foster is set to grace the 2025 Youngstown State Baseball First Pitch Breakfast with his presence. This event, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25, at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield, Ohio, is set to be a memorable occasion. Head coach Trevor Charpie expressed great excitement, stating, "George was an incredible player, and it will be an incredible opportunity to hear his insight about the game and stories from his playing days."

Event Highlights and Opportunities

Fans attending this event will not only get to meet the 2025 Penguins baseball squad but also enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet. There will be live and silent auctions featuring an impressive lineup of Major League Baseball memorabilia, unique experiences, and YSU baseball gear. A breakfast ticket also grants entrance into a door prize drawing with two exciting prizes - an autographed helmet signed by the 2025 YSU baseball team and four 2025 season tickets for Youngstown State baseball home games.General admission tickets are priced at $50 each, and premium reserved tables are available for $600, including eight breakfast/raffle tickets and premium seating. For those looking for an exclusive experience, they can join special guest George Foster and the YSU baseball staff for an additional $200 per guest at an exclusive dinner on Friday, Jan. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at Michael Alberini’s in Boardman. Please note that tickets for Friday's dinner are limited.For the breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 25, doors and buffet will open at 8 a.m., followed by the program commencing at 9 a.m.

George Foster's MLB Career

Foster had a remarkable MLB career as an outfielder from 1969 through 1986, playing for four teams. He is most notably associated with the Cincinnati Reds, where he won two World Series championships in 1975 and 1976 as an integral part of the "Big Red Machine." A five-time All-Star, Foster was one of the most productive right-handed hitters of his era. In 1977 and 1978, he led the National League in home runs, and in 1976, 1977, and 1978, he led in RBIs. In 1977, he won the National League's Most Valuable Player Award and a Silver Slugger Award in 1981. In 2003, he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.In 1977, Foster had one of the all-time great seasons on his way to winning the MVP award. He became the first player since Willie Mays in 1965 to hit 50 home runs in a season. This mark was not reached again until Cecil Fielder hit 51 home runs in 1990. Foster was the 10th player in major league history to reach this milestone and the first Cincinnati Reds player. His 149 RBIs also led the MLB, and he finished fourth in the National League in batting, missing the Triple Crown by just.018 behind Dave Parker. He also led the National League in slugging percentage (.631), runs scored (124), and total bases (388).

Beyond MLB - Foster's Community Involvement

Foster spends his time instructing youth in baseball techniques and working as a motivational speaker. He operates a non-profit organization that supports children of military families and those living in inner city neighborhoods. As a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.Tickets for this event can be purchased online or by returning the Ticket Order Form provided. Fans can also contact Youngstown State Assistant Coach Will Maddox at wpmaddox@ysu.edu. Waypoint 4180 is located at 4180 Westford Place in Canfield.