Baseball Hall of Famer and former Houston Astro Jeff Bagwell took center stage as the guest speaker at this year’s annual PVF Roundtable dinner, where over 500 executives gathered for an evening that also included networking and cocktails.
Bagwell shared stories from his career and offered a message of kindness that resonated with the audience. Despite not being an industry expert, he reflected on the importance of taking time for fans, recalling how he always made it a point to sign autographs and take photos to brighten someone’s day.
Celebrating industry support and scholarship giving
From 1996 through 2001, Bagwell totaled at least 30 home runs, 100 runs scored and 100 runs batted in (RBI) per season. At the same time, Bagwell turned the Astros into an annual postseason contender — helping Houston advance to the playoffs six times from 1997-2005. But early in the 2005 season, Bagwell removed himself from the lineup due to a right shoulder that had caused him constant pain for four years. The arthritic condition — produced by bone-on-bone wear and tear — left him virtually unable to throw a baseball.
In 2024, a total of $300,000 was donated for scholarships to students in fields of study relating to the PVF market.
Bagwell willed himself back onto the Astros’ roster for their 2005 run to the World Series but called it quits after he was unable to appear in any games in 2006. His career stats include a .297 batting average, Houston club records of 449 home runs and 1,529 RBI and a .408 on-base percentage. Bagwell was selected to four All-Star Games, finished in the Top 10 in the National League Most Valuable Player voting six times, won three Silver Slugger Awards and also captured a Gold Glove Award in 1994. Bagwell was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2017.
Celebrating industry support and scholarship giving
Sara Alford, president of PVF Roundtable, with baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell.
He admitted it’s hard to believe sometimes that people look up to him because he feels like "just a normal guy," and has had his share of ups and downs in life showcasing that he isn’t perfect. Bagwell delivered an honest, heartfelt talk on kindness that ended with a standing ovation. He then proceeded to take a photo and give an autograph to everyone in the room, just as he promised he would. The PVF Roundtable also handed out oversized checks to the schools it currently supports through scholarship donations. In 2024, a total of $300,000 was donated for scholarships to students in fields of study relating to the PVF market. These donations are raised by PVF Roundtable through its charitable events such as the golf tournament, the TroutBlast fishing tournament and the annual Holiday Casino Night.
Eligible students who receive scholarships are also encouraged to apply for a career in the industry through the PVF Roundtable’s Careers Page, connecting the graduate with member company donors to get started in the PVF industry.
Join us for next year’s dinner meeting. Not a member yet? Find out how your company can help raise scholarship donations and network with leaders in the industry.
For more information, visit pvf.org.
