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MOBILE, Ala. – Over 500 supporters turned out for the Jaguar Athletic Fund/Dugout Club First Pitch Banquet presented by David Gwin/Vic Printing & Signage, LLC, Tuesday night at Battleship Pavilion to honor six current and former University of South Alabama baseball Major Leaguers as well as the 2012 Jaguar baseball team.
The sold-out event offered those in attendance the opportunity to meet and receive autographed pictures of former Jags Marlon Anderson, Allen Battle, Lance Johnson, Jon Lieber, P.J. Walters and 2011 World Series and National League Championship Series MVP David Freese.
“This is awesome,” Freese said of the event. “It feels great to get down here right before spring training starts and just get that itch for baseball – I know everyone is excited for the Jaguars to get going and so am I.”
The six Major Leaguers were introduced individually on stage prior to a question-and-answer session with the audience. Each of them shared stories of their experiences in Major League Baseball. Lieber was asked about his 20-win season in 2001 with the Chicago Cubs which also earned the Jaguar All-American a National League All-Star nod.
“That was a season you dream about as a pitcher,” Lieber said. “A lot of that had to do with the teammates that I had, but it was a magical season and one of those you never forget.”
Lance Johnson, a 1984 All-American at South Alabama after stealing a school-record 89 bases, shared his experience of his first game as a Major Leaguer.
“When I was playing my first game, I ran onto the field and fell flat on my face in front of 55,000 people,” Johnson said as laughter echoed through the pavilion. “And then I laughed.”
Freese also took a moment to address this year’s Jaguar team during the Q&A.
“"With the new rec center and weight room, the renovations to the clubhouse and the field, you've got to cherish that,” he said. “I was walking around with the coaches and was just jealous. You guys need to embrace that and understand how fortunate you are that you have that kind of stuff. It's pretty cool."
USA head coach Mark Calvi spoke and introduced the 2012 team and coaching staff following the Q&A session.
“We want to make you guys proud,” Calvi said of this year’s club. “It will be a team that you will enjoy and have fun watching – that is our hope. We want our actions to exceed your expectations as fans, and that is our number-one goal.
“One of the reasons I came to South Alabama is that I really believe we can win a championship here. I tried to recruit high-character, team-first guys and I think we have done that. Our guys will play hard for the fans.”
South Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Joel Erdmann addressed the crowd with the banquet’s closing remarks, and urged fans to rally around the Jaguar program.
"From last year to this year we are already ahead with season ticket sales,” Erdmann said. “Season tickets are vital, they show we care and we are invested. People often ask, 'What is it that I can do?' The most important thing you can do is go to a game. Go to a game and bring someone with you, just like you did tonight."
South Alabama will open the 2012 season when it hosts College of Charleston in a three-game series at Stanky Field, Feb. 17-19, with the season opener slated for Fri., Feb. 17, at 6:30 p.m.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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