On Jan. 23, Wright State’s Nutter Center will host seven-time All-Star and World Series champion Scott Rolen to be the keynote speaker at their baseball program’s 11th annual First Pitch Banquet. The banquet will introduce Wright State’s 2015 baseball team and bring alumni back together to raise funds for the program.
WSU head coach Greg Lovelady said, “This is an unbelievable night to see what the Wright State baseball kids are all about. What this program is all about and what they mean to this community. It’s a fun night to get out. You’re going to see somebody speak with a great message that has been a big part in the Cincinnati and Dayton communities.”
A silent auction consists of signed jerseys by baseball players Albert Pujols, Felix Hernandez, Mike Trout, Rolen and Joe Smith. There will also be signed footballs by Andy Dalton, AJ Green, Giovanni Bernard and Marvin Lewis.
Lovelady understands that every dollar matters and said he wants to give his team an unbelievable experience that will prepare them for the rest of their lives.
“I want our kids to feel first class,” Lovelady said. “I want to make sure that they get treated like a national program would and that’s what I think this place is. I want to make sure I can get them everything they need. I want them to have nice equipment, travel the way that we need to travel, play the type of schedule that I want to play and provide them with the memories that I think they need to have when they get out of here. To do all of that, I need to raise money.”
Rolen, who spent his last four of 17 seasons with the Reds, played for five different Major League organizations. He had 2,077 career hits with a .281 batting average. His career fielding percentage of .968 assisted him in winning eight Gold Gloves, which is the third most of all third basemen in Major League history.
“He’s been one of the best third basemen in the last 30 years,” said Lovelady. “He’s a seven-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glove winner and a Rookie of the Year. I think the message he will give will be well done and positive. I think that it will rub off on our guys.”
For $70 a person, guests can enjoy a silent auction and cash bar, followed by dinner and the speech by Rolen. VIP tables can be purchased for groups of 10 people for $1000 which includes a meet and greet before the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
