First Pitch

 

The First Pitch Fundraising Banquet, now in its 10th year, is one of the most prestigious fundraising events in our UCM community and serves as an opportunity to celebrate the storied tradition of Mules Baseball. Through the fundraising banquet, Mules Baseball has raised $539,618 for equipment needs, expanded the student-athlete experience, supplemented the operational budget and implemented facility improvements, such as the $2.1 million Mules Baseball Clubhouse at James R. Crane Stadium. 

Join us on Saturday, March 28, for a day of baseball in Warrensburg, MO! This is a powerful gathering of Mules Baseball alumni and community leaders who come together to support Mules Baseball, induct former players into the Diamond Club, and positively impact the current generation of players. The banquet will include fundraising games, dinner, drinks, a silent auction, and recognition.

We are excited to announce former Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon will be this year’s First Pitch Banquet keynote speaker. A three-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glove winner and World Series champion, Gordon was a cornerstone of the Royals’ 2015 championship team and one of the franchise’s most respected leaders. He becomes the fifth World Series champion to headline the First Pitch Banquet, continuing a remarkable tradition that brings together Mules Baseball alumni, supporters and community leaders in backing the next generation of student-athletes.

Proceeds from the 10th Annual First Pitch Banquet will ensure Central Missouri remains one of the nation’s top NCAA Division II baseball programs.* We would be honored to have your support.

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Schedule

Optional Activities
Morning--Golf at Mules National Golf Club.  Reserve tee times here
10:00 a.m. Open practice at Crane Stadium

Banquet
5:00 p.m. Doors Open at Jerry M. Hughes Center 

• VIP Social and Meet and Greet with Alex Gordon (access included in specific sponsorship levels)
• Silent Auction Viewing
• Fundraising Games (bring cash or have Venmo ready)

7:00 p.m. Welcome Remarks
7:15 p.m. Dinner
7:45 p.m. Program, including Diamond Club induction and keynote speaker

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Recognition

The Diamond Club recognizes former Mules Baseball players who positively impacted the Mules Baseball program. This year’s Diamond Club Honorees are:

• 2016 Mules Baseball Team
• 2021 Mules Baseball Team
• Erik Webb '20, Mules Baseball Outfielder

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Registration and Fundraising

The success of this event relies on the support of corporate donors and partners, community members, and attendees. By sponsoring our fundraising banquet, companies and community members can show their commitment to Mules Baseball.  

 

 

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Questions and Additional Information

• General event and registration inquiries can be directed to Tiffany Cochran and Erick Vargas at events@ucmo.edu. 
• The attire is business professional/cocktail.

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Planning Committee

Mules Baseball would like to thank its planning committee.  Without them, this event would not be possible.  The committe includes:

Eric Clark, ’99, Kyle Crookes (Head Coach), David Ezell, ’78, ’79, Alex Kent, ’11, ’14, Adam Maddox, ’12, Billy Maloney ‘16, ‘17, Stu Rogers, ’82, ’86, Rob Ruth, ’75, Brennen Van Breusegen, ’23, '24, Carter Young, ’24.

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*Mules Baseball will receive 80% of the net proceeds and 20% will support the Cardinal and Black Fund, which supplements the UCM Athletics operational budget supporting all 550 student-athletes.