2 former Raiders join Reds manager at dinner

Jeremy Hamilton and Justin Parker, fifth- and sixth-round draft picks two summers ago by the Phillies (Hamilton) and Diamondbacks (Parker), were doing some offseason hitting in the McLin Gym the other day, each saying they planned to be at the dinner.

Hamilton, from Cincinnati, usually works out at his old high school, Princeton. Parker, from Fort Wayne, Ind., is staying near his home for the winter while occasionally making it to WSU for workouts.

“I’m loving it,” said Hamilton of the pro experience, although he’s a first baseman by trade and the Phillies might have Ryan Howard at that position for a while. “I didn’t get to see much action at first base, but I’ve been working out in the outfield and DH’ing. I know the Phillies have Howard. He’s great at first base. I’m just going to have to sit back and be patient.”

Hamilton hit .255 with low Class A Lakewood, N.J., last season, with four homers and 32 RBIs in 88 games as part of the team that won the South Atlantic League (SALLY) championship.

Parker played at South Bend in the Midwest League, hitting .252 with four homers and 45 RBIs in 91 games, mostly at third base. He was hampered part of the season with a shoulder separation and was able to play a few games in Dayton at Fifth Third Field when the Silver Hawks were in town.

“It was a long season, but fun to play,” Parker said. “When you’re in high school, you get ready to play one-two games a week. In college, it’s three-four games. In the pros, it’s all about learning on the fly. There’s a game every day.”

Fast Pitch tickets are available at $60. Call (937) 775-3667.

Liddy services set

Services and visitation have been set for the late Matt Liddy, the ultra-successful former swimming coach who died Monday of an apparent heart attack at the age of 50.

Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kindred Funeral Home at 400 Union Blvd. in Englewood with services Saturday at noon at Precious Blood Church at 4961 Salem Ave.

Different times

Basketball games this week have special starting times to accommodate men’s and women’s doubleheaders. Thursday’s women’s game with Cleveland State begins at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game with Illinois-Chicago at about 7:30 p.m. The men’s game with Loyola (Chicago) begins at 2 p.m. Saturday with the women hosting Youngstown State at 5.