2/1/2005
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Georgetown University baseball team held its inaugural First Pitch Dinner on Friday, January 28 at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Va. More than 125 alumni, friends, and family of the Georgetown baseball program came out to help the Hoyas kick off their 2005 season.
The evening featured four speakers and was highlighted by the keynote address of Terry Francona, the manager of the World Champion Boston Red Sox. Mike Barnicle, a well- known print and broadcast journalist, served as the emcee for the dinner and kept the crowd laughing. The night also featured special guest Mickey Vernon who won two American League batting titles in 1945 and 1953. The crowd was treated to home videos of Vernon playing in the MLB.
Georgetown Head Baseball Coach Pete Wilk spoke about the Hoya baseball program, noting the progress they have made over the last five years. The program is coming off its best season in 19 years, has increased the size of the coaching staff, expanded its recruiting and an annual spring break trip is now a reality. Wilk also emphasized the importance of alumni contributions to the program as a method of continual development and improvement of the program.
Tom Walter, a 1991 graduate of Georgetown's Business School and current head baseball coach at University of New Orleans, gave a different perspective on the Georgetown baseball program. As a Georgetown baseball alum, Walter noted how important it is for the student-athletes to have a positive experience with Georgetown baseball because those are the memories which they will remember forever. Walter added that Georgetown is now competitive with any team, and he truly believes the Hoyas can become an elite team in the BIG EAST with an increased level of support by the alumni. He emphasized that the time to help springboard Georgetown baseball to be the best it can be is now.
Francona capped the night with one clear message: obstacles can be overcome. Francona reminisced about his days in the Major Leagues as a journeyman, enduring 12 surgeries and playing for six teams. He said he always tried to stay true to himself during that time, and knew that when his playing days were over, and his coaching career began. Francona spoke about the days of being the Philadelphia Phillies manager in the 1990?s, those were times of learning and gaining confidence, despite being faced with various challenges. He expanded into his days in Boston, and experiencing the passion of Red Sox Nation. Francona spoke about his recent World Series victory, and overcoming the impossible to beat the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Francona emphasized how important communication within a team is, how becoming 25 guys with one goal, and how remaining positive and never doubting yourself can result in achieving the unimaginable.
Wilk and his team presented Francona with a Georgetown baseball jersey with the #16, the first number Francona wore as a player.
Georgetown baseball opens its 2005 season at William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA on Saturday, February 12 at 1 p.m.
