News
A's announcer to host poker challenge
Proceeds from Saturday event go to high school programsBy Mychael Urban / MLB.com
09/03/09 9:43 PM ET
OAKLAND -- Ken Korach, the lead play-by-play man on A's radio broadcasts, is hosting his second annual Winning for the Community Poker Challenge on Saturday morning, with all proceeds going to aid local high school baseball programs.Determined to do something to keep the rich legacy of prep baseball in Oakland alive, Korach last season established the "A's Winning for the Community Program," which raised $24,000 for the Oakland Athletic League high school baseball programs, helping to fund equipment, uniforms and field maintenance.
Funds were raised through donations made by Korach and the A's Community Fund for each Oakland win, in addition to fan donations and corporate sponsorship. Last year's poker tournament, Korach said, raised $3,500.
Saturday's tournament, which starts at 10 a.m. PT at the Warehouse Bar and Grill in Oakland, will feature a Texas Hold-'Em format with a $35 buy-in and the option for two $20 re-buys.
"We have some wonderful prizes for the winners that have been donated," Korach said.
An all-you-can-eat barbeque will be offered for $10, with all proceeds from food sales also going to the charity.
"It's all tax-deductible," Korach said, "and obviously for a very good cause. It's a really good time, too."
A's assistant general manager David Forst and Korach's partner, Vince "The System" Cotroneo, are among those from the organization expected to participate.
Mychael Urban is a national writer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
