Nolan Ryan to make appearance in Newport

Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan will join the USC baseball coaching staff for a round table discussion of his life in the majors on Jan. 23 at The Cannery in Newport Beach (3010 Lafayette Road).

“A Night With Nolan Ryan” will begin with cocktails and appetizers at 6 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. and the round table starting at 8 p.m. A memorabilia signing will conclude the evening.

Ryan still holds the Major League Baseball record with 5,714 career strikeouts and was an eight-time All-Star. He pitched for the California Angels from 1972-79.

A minimum donation of $500 per plate will be required for the dinner with all proceeds going to the USC baseball program and the Rod Dedeaux Research for Baseball Institute. The ongoing construction of the million-dollar RDRBI at Dedeaux Field is expected to be completed prior to the start of the upcoming 2008 season in late February.

To make reservations contact the USC baseball office at (213) 740-5762.

— From staff reports