Former MLB player Darryl Strawberry to Make Appearance in Jasper
Jasper, AL - Darryl Strawberry, one of the most recognizable figures in baseball during his 17-year career, is scheduled to speak at the 413 Men’s Conference in Jasper, Alabama, on July 16. The two-day conference on Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 will be hosted by Blanton Media Group (BMG), a local company that publishes 78 Magazine and offers a variety of professional media services.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Darryl is coming to Jasper, not just because of who he is, but because of the message he is going to deliver,” said conference director and BMG owner Al Blanton.
Strawberry became famous for his towering home runs while playing for the New York Mets from 1983-1990. He later played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees. An 8-time All-Star, Strawberry has 4 World Series titles (’86 Mets; ’96, ’98, and ’99 Yankees) and 335 career home runs.
Also scheduled to speak at the conference is both the chaplain of The University of Alabama football team, Jeremiah Castille, and the chaplain of the Auburn University football team, Rev. Chette Williams. Castille is the Executive Director of The Jeremiah Castille Foundation in Birmingham and Williams is the Auburn campus director and the State Director for Urban Ministries for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
“I’m excited about what the Lord is going to do at the 413 Men’s Conference. Lives will be changed. Bring a friend!” said Castille.
In addition to guest speakers, breakout groups will be available to help men with a wide variety of issues as well as give them tools to become spiritual leaders. “For whatever reason, men tend to internalize and deal with their issues privately,” said Blanton. “We want this conference to serve as a place where men can gather without judgment and receive practical tips on how to navigate some of the issues that we all face and step into leadership roles in their Christian walk.”
Three meals—Friday box dinner, Saturday breakfast biscuit and coffee, and Saturday lunch—as well as take-home materials, are included in the cost of tickets. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Team Focus, a charitable organization based out of Mobile for fatherless young men.
Blanton was inspired to create the conference after going through personal trials that stemmed from the passing of his mother this past September. The conference, Blanton says, will be just one part of a new discipleship ministry he is launching called 413. “Without question, this has been the most difficult 7-8 months of my life,” said Blanton. “Although I was going through such intense emotional pain, I felt the Lord telling me to hang on, there’s something coming up ahead—that I will use your pain for my glory. That something is 413.”
Those interested in attending the two-day conference can register at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/413-mens-conference-tickets-321209425037?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or by searching for “413 Men’s Conference” on the website www.eventbrite.com.
Space is limited and those planning on attending the conference are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.
“I hope God will use this event to spark a positive change in the hearts of the men who attend,” Blanton stated. “We hope that this can be the beginning of a transformation into the disciples that God has called us to be.”
For conference updates, please visit “413 Men’s Conference” on Facebook.