Delta State University’s second annual “A Night of Champions” has been scheduled for Friday, Aug. 8, with tickets now available.
After bringing former NFL star Archie Manning and former DSU sports information director Langston Rogers together for the fireside chat event in 2024, the university in Cleveland is maintaining the star power with 2025 headliner Mike Matheny.
Matheny, a former MLB player and manager, won four gold gloves and was considered one of the show’s stoutest catchers from 1994 to 2006 with stops in Milwaukee, Toronto, St. Louis, and San Francisco. He played in the 2004 World Series with the Cardinals and later led the team to the 2013 World Series as skipper.
Matheny then served as manager of the Kansas City Royals from 2020 to 2022. After compiling a 756-693 record from the dugout across his time in St. Louis and Kansas City, he released his second book called “The Dad Coach” earlier this year. His first, “The Matheny Manifesto,” was a New York Times bestseller.
When Matheny takes the stage during “A Night of Champions,” he’s expected to discuss his career both on and off the field and efforts to instill character development and sportsmanship in players all the way from little league up to the professional ranks. He and his wife, Kristin, formed The Catch 22 Foundation in 2003 with the goal of providing disadvantaged youth opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
“The MLB veteran appeals to a myriad of interests in which all Delta State sports fans will appreciate, including professional baseball player and manager, philanthropist, believer, author, and youth sports advocate,” a portion of the event’s announcement reads.
In addition to the conversation with Matheny, “A Night of Champions” will feature dinner and a silent auction. The event will be held inside Sillers Coliseum at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here with all proceeds going to Delta State athletics.
