The Classic 150 Toast of Champions announced Wednesday that it will honor LA Dodgers pitching coach and one of Chattanooga’s favorite sons, Rick Honeycutt, as this year’s honoree. The annual fundraising event will be held on Nov. 15 at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center. 

“We’ve all followed Rick’s career from the time he became an All-American first baseman pitcher at UT until his current position as pitching coach for the LA Dodgers," said Classic 150 President Mickey McCamish. "Rick pitched in the MLB for six different teams over 21 years and pitched in 30 post-season games, including 30 League Championship Series games and seven World Series games.  He never lost a game and was a member of the Oakland Athletics’ 1989 World Series championship team.  We’re proud to honor his career and welcome him back home."

Previous honorees for the event include John “Thunder” Thornton, former UTC Chancellor Fred and Ruth Obear, the late “Dr. Basketball” Gary Haskew, UTC’s Russ Huesman and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.

Funds raised at the Toast will be used to assist the Classic 150 in bringing sporting events to the community that bring regional and national recognition to the city of Chattanooga. These sporting events provide economic development opportunities to the community. The Classic 150 is a membership organization and is an IRS 501 (c) 3 non-profit. 

“Growing up right outside of Chattanooga, baseball has played a critical role in my life,” said Mr. Honeycutt.  The lessons I learned from the game have served me well both on and off the field. I’m honored to be recognized by the Classic 150 and I’m looking forward to spending the evening with family and friends."

Mr. Honeycutt, born in Chattanooga and raised in North Georgia, attended Lakeview High School where he led the baseball team to State Championship titles. After graduation,  Mr. Honeycutt attended the University of Tennessee where he dominated the mound, going 8-2 with a 2.88 ERA his senior year. His .377 batting average in four years ranks him as one of the top 5 hitters in UTK baseball history.

In 1976, Mr. Honeycutt was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates to be a pitcher and a first baseman. In his first game with the Pirates, he was starting pitcher and hit a home run in his first time at bat. His major league journey later led him to the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals. During his time with the Oakland Athletics, he pitched three consecutive World Series from 1988 to 1990 winning a coveted World Series Championship ring in 1989.

Mr. Honeycutt’s career ended in 1997 with 268 starts, 529 relief appearances, and 2,160 total innings pitched. His 797 appearances rank him 33rd all time in Major League history and 8th all time of lefties. He is currently employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as Major League Pitching Coach. He also owns Honeycutt Sports based in Chattanooga and oversees his own youth foundation.

Tickets are limited and this is expected to be a sell-out event. To make reservations or obtain additional information about the event, please contact Taylor Hurley at Derryberry Public Relations by email at taylor@derryberrypr.com or by phone at 755-7588. For additional information, visit the event’s Facebook page:  Classic 150 for updates about the event.

For over 20 years, the Classic 150 has invested over $2 million in sporting events such as bringing the PGA Tour to Chattanooga, hosting the NCAA Division I Men’s Gold Championship, hosting the NCAA Women’s Regional Basketball Tournament among others.