If you're young, reach up. If you're older, reach down.
This was the overall message reiterated throughout the first-ever Arizona State Baseball Experience and Alumni Weekend.
The three-day extravaganza featured two golf outings, a special evening event at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, a tailgate prior to the Territorial Cup football game, an Impact Camp for 80 disadvantaged youth at Packard Stadium, and the annual team banquet.
With Sun Devils spanning six decades from the 1960s to current freshmen, the weekend offered a chance for players, families, friends and fans alike to celebrate the storied legacy of the Sun Devil Baseball program. This is the beauty of MLBU, where former, current and hopeful professional baseball players become one and the same.
Friday, Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m.
Teammates Bob Horner, Ken Landreaux and Darrell Jackson chat at the driving range like just three days has passed since the 1977 College World Series, rather than 38 years. Skip Hancock, a 13-game winner with a 1.35 ERA in 1964, stands atop the putting green a few yards away and tips his cap to Eric Sogard, the 2007 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.
The first-ever Sun Devil Cup at Talking Stick Golf Club pitted Team Sal Bando/Rick Monday against Team Dustin Pedroia/Andre Ethier in a Ryder Cup-style tournament. Sun Devils For Life from all eras were paired with friends and fans in this unique event that kicked off the weekend.
Friday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m.
Mike Kelly, the 1991 Golden Spikes Award winner, sits at a table with Paul Lo Duca, a one-year wonder at ASU who hit .446 in his sole season in Tempe. Cory Hahn, a scout with the Arizona Diamondbacks, talks with current Red Sox infielders Deven Marrero and Dustin Pedroia, while Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier stands a few feet away with his son and college coach Pat Murphy, the recently named bench coach for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Once the golf tournament ended, participants were invited down the street to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for dinner, a live and silent auction, and a surprise ceremony for two of the greatest ever to wear the Maroon and Gold. Sun Devil Baseball's Wall of Honor, which hangs just above left-center field at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, is reserved for the best of the best. Unbeknownst to them,
Pedroia and Ethier were about to join this distinguished fraternity.
Following a welcome from Ray Anderson, Vice President for University Athletics and Athletics Director, Head Coach Tracy Smith thanked everyone in attendance and talked of the importance of having the program's past players return before he welcomed Pedroia and Ethier to the podium and into immortality.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m.
Ethier, Ryan Burr and Zach Dixon are three of a number of Sun Devils standing on the Armando and Debra Flores Terrace, peering out over the field at Packard Stadium. One grew up watching the Devils at Packard and played his whole career there. One was a part of the team that played the final season ever at Packard, and in fact made the final out in the last conference game in May 2014. One never played an inning at Packard, never even watched an out at the stadium. But all three are appreciating what is taking place below.
Sun Devil Baseball brought the Valley community into its reach as Coach Smith and current baseball student-athletes hosted an impact camp for 80-plus disadvantaged youth. To add to the significance of the day, the camp marked the last event ever hosted on the field at Packard Stadium. In conjunction with the camp, the baseball program hosted a tailgate at the stadium prior to the football team's Territorial Cup matchup, and past Sun Devils in attendance watched from the terrace as current Sun Devils passed their craft along to future generations on the field they once used to hone their skills.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 3 p.m.
Pedroia, a member of the 2015 Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame class, was unable to attend the induction ceremony in October, so he was formally inducted at halftime of the Territorial Cup football game. He joins the likes of Barry Bonds, Willie Bloomquist, Luis Lagunas, Rick Monday and Kevin Romine.
Sunday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
The annual banquet, which has now been moved from its traditional place in the spring to the middle of the fall, is designed to honor the past and introduce the future as Sun Devils that left the program after the 2015 season get a chance to meet Sun Devils that are entering the program prior to the 2016 season.
After the 2015 players are recognized for accomplishments and accolades garnered over the past year, including national, regional and conference awards, academic honors, and letters, Coach Smith then hands out the 2015 Arizona State University Baseball Awards.
Pitcher of the Year - Ryan Kellogg
Relief Pitcher of the Year - Ryan Burr
Offensive Player of the Year - Trever Allen
Most Valuable Player - Ryan Burr
Gold Glove Award - Johnny Sewald
Rookie of the Year - Andrew Snow
Captain's Award - Jake Peevyhouse
Manager of the Year - Anthony Sassola
International Manager of the Year - “K”
And lastly Coach Smith presents the Sun Devil Award, which honors the student-athlete who best exhibits the attitude and character of a Sun Devil Baseball player, to Jake Peevyhouse.
To cap off the banquet, each Sun Devil who left the program after 2015, either due to their eligibility running out or to play professionally, is asked to come to the podium and present their baseball to the person or people they play the game for.
2016 Season Tickets
To reserve your spot in line for new Sun Devil Baseball season tickets, fans can place a $100 deposit by calling 480-965-5812 or clicking here. The deposit will go towards your total ticket purchase once new season tickets are available. Fans who place a deposit will get to pick their seats prior to the general public.
Transitioning The Legacy Campaign
Season ticket holders also have an opportunity to make a capital campaign commitment towards the Phoenix Muni renovations. All gifts, no matter the size, are important and appreciated, and can be a one-time gift or a five-year pledge. Fans interested in naming opportunities at Phoenix Muni can contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700. All commitments are tax-deductible through the Sun Devil Club. Join our community and own a piece of our hometown team.
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