Former Carson High School baseball star and Houston Astros first round pick Charley Kerfeld will be the keynote speaker at Western Nevada Community College's third annual Wildcats Athletics Benefit.
The three-course prime rib dinner and auction will be held at the Peppermill at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 3.
Kerfeld pitched for Carson High from 1979-1981, and was selected in the first round in 1982 by the Astros. In 1986, he finished fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting over fellow rookies Barry Bonds, Will Clark and Andres Galarraga. He compiled an impressive 18-9 career record in four seasons with the Astros and Atlanta Braves.
After his playing career ended, Kerfeld went on to manage the Beaumont Bullfrogs, Abilene Prairie Dogs, Grays Harbor Gulls, Western Warriors, Reno Blackjacks, and Chico Heat. He won 421 career games as a manager, including a Western Baseball League Championship in 2002. Kerfeld then became a scout for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, and is currently the special assistant to the general manager for the Texas Rangers.
Proceeds from this fund-raiser will benefit all WNCC athletic programs including the baseball team, women's soccer team, and rodeo team. WNCC receives no state funding for expenses and must support the teams through private and corporate donations.
Tickets are $75 each or $500 for a table of eight. Contact the WNCC Foundation, Bristlecone Building, 2201 West College Parkway, (775) 445-3240.