By 1812Blockhouse
On Thursday, February 12, the Kiwanis Club of Mansfield will bring a bit of baseball excitement to Bellville with its annual “Talkin’ Cleveland Baseball” luncheon at the Der Dutchman Restaurant, located at 720 State Route 97 W. Doors open at 10:45 AM and the program gets underway at 11:30 AM, inviting local fans and community supporters to share a day centered around the Guardians and the sport they love.
The gathering isn’t just about talking baseball. It’s designed to feed both body and spirit with a lunch buffet included in every $25 ticket. Attendees will have a chance to bid on baseball memorabilia in a live auction that’s sure to stir memories and spark friendly rivalry at the tables. Ticket sales go to support the Friendly House Afterschool Program, a local initiative that helps kids in the community. You can buy tickets at the Park National Bank Ontario Office on Lexington-Springmill Road, from Kiwanis members, or online through the Kiwanis Club of Mansfield’s website under the “event” tab.
It seems fitting as Richland County was the site for the world’s first professional baseball game.
Voices of the Guardians
The centerpiece of the luncheon will be the conversation with leaders and broadcasters connected to the Cleveland Guardians. Bob DiBiasio, the senior vice president of public affairs for the Guardians, will bring perspective from inside the organization. He’ll be joined by Jim Rosenhaus, known to fans as a radio voice of the team, and Matt Underwood, who brings the action to life on television. Together they’ll talk about the Guardians, share stories from inside the clubhouse, and likely answer some questions from the audience.
For the Kiwanis Club of Mansfield, this event is more than a luncheon. Since its charter in June 1920, the club has built longstanding partnerships within the community — especially with the Friendly House, dating back to 1924 — focused on service and support for children and families. The proceeds from this luncheon help keep those efforts going.
If you’re a fan of Guardians baseball, local tradition, or simply want a way to connect with neighbors while doing some good, this event is worth a drop on your calendar.
