Buckeye Baseball Alumni Gathering Planned

One of the things I put at the top of my "wants" for the new Buckeye baseball coach once Bob Todd made aware his plans to retire, was a coach that reconnects with OSU alumni. For whatever the reason may be, the presence of Ohio State baseball alumni has not quite been what it should be.

It was also one of the first things I spoke to new coach Greg Beals about and he too mentioned that reaching out to alumni would be a priority of his. Beals has kept his word and has created an "alumni weekend" if you will, in an attempt to welcome alumni back to the program, strengthen the bond of the current program and those who help shaped it.


From the Ohio State's Athletic Communications

As busy as new Ohio State baseball coach Greg Beals and his staff are at getting acquainted with and learning about their players, recruiting and administrative responsibilities, they know the importance of connecting with Ohio State baseball alumni. And they already have an alumni event in the works.

Beals and his assistant coaches, which include former Buckeyes Mike Stafford (1994-98) and Josh Newman (2001-04), along with Kent State graduate Chris Holick, are inviting all former Buckeyes to a baseball alumni gathering Sept. 18 at Bill Davis Stadium. The football team plays Ohio University at 12 noon that day in Ohio Stadium and former baseball players are invited to tailgate at Bill Davis Stadium starting at 11 a.m. and then to reconvene after the football game for an alumni game and home run derby. Players who don’t have tickets to the game can watch it in the player’s lounge at Bill Davis Stadium.

Additionally, for those players who are in the area or come into Columbus early, a round of golf is being set up for 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Golf Club of Dublin.

“We want to provide opportunities for Ohio State baseball alumni to come back to campus and to Bill Davis Stadium and to become more involved with the baseball program,” Beals said.

Stafford is heading up the alumni recruiting effort. Former players can contact him at (614) 935-3168 or via email at StaffordM@buckeyes.ath.ohio-state.edu for more information and to RSVP for the day.

“Our alumni are a very important part of the rich tradition and success of Ohio State baseball, and baseball alumni are a proud bunch of individuals,” Stafford said.

“This event will be a great way to get former alumni back together in a baseball setting. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided for those who come early to tailgate. We will also open the player’s lounge to watch the game for those who don’t have tickets or just choose to hang out. We are encouraging the player’ to bring their families as well. Once the football game is over, we’ll have an alumni game and home run derby at Bill Davis Stadium.”

And if the game or the festivities run long, the coaches plan on turning on the Bill Davis Stadium lights.

Ohio State Baseball Alumni Day
When: Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010
Where: Bill Davis Stadium
Time: Tailgating at 11 a.m.; Alumni Game and HR Derby following football game
More Info: Contact Mike Stafford (614-935-3168) or StaffordM@buckeyes.ath.ohio-state.edu
Friday Golf: Contact Angelo Palladino at apalladino12@yahoo.com if interested.