Baseball News

Colonels host 2nd Annual Alumni Baseball Game

For the second time in as many years, the Centre College baseball program hosted a group of former Colonel baseball players for the 2nd Annual Alumni Baseball Game Sunday, Oct. 11 at Gary Wright Field in Danville, Ky.

Twelve former players returned to play on the same field they played on during their college careers, but the field looked considerably different for some as the entire field had been resurfaced this past summer thanks to a genorous gift from 1964 alum, Gary Wright, who also played at the same location.

Due to the field project not being finished on time, there was some uncertaintly as to when the game would take place and therefore had some affect on the turnout, but the event turned out to be another great experience fall all involved.

Prior to the game, the alumni had lunch together and then took turns swinging for the fences in pre-game batting practice on the field. The 11 former players then participated in a nine-inning game against underclassmen on Centre's current team.

Shaking off some of the rust, and getting some favorable calls from current assistant coach and alumni game umpire Kyle Wynn, the alumni battled all the way to the end in front of family and friends falling 6-4 to the current players.

Of the 12 to return, seven played in the innaugural game last year. Class of 1992 graduates David Harr, Jimmy Kirk and Paul Nelson joined 2001 graduate Brad Guilfoil, 2002 graduate Scott Schlegel, 2007 graduate Kyle Rakes and 2008 graduate John Herbert for the second straight year.

In addition, 2009 graduates, Cameron Henzman, Jake Jones, Brandon Rosen, Ryan Smith and Jeffrey Williams made the trip back to Danville to participate in their first Alumni Game.

"I had just as much fun this year watching and interacting with the guys as I did last year," Centre head coach Mike Pritchard said.

"Even though we didn't have as many return this year, it was still a blast watching these guys play with their former teammates and hearing the stories from their playing days."

Now that the field project has been finished a date should be set well in advance for next year. The goal for next year's game is to find a Saturday evening during the fall to host the game. This will give the alumni the opportunity to play under the lights, which many have never done on Centre's campus, and also allow for guys to hang out and catch up with each other that night following the game.

"I believe this is one of the most important things we do each year with our baseball program. The alumni support we receive at Centre is the best in the nation and we want to show our appreciation for all they do for Centre and our baseball program and this is one way we can thank them for all they have done," Pritchard added.

Click here for the Alumni Game photo gallery