2017 EMU Baseball Lead Off Dinner
Eastern Michigan University Head Baseball Coach Mark Van Ameyde has announced that the third annual Lead Off Dinner will take place Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ball Room at the EMU Student Center. Former EMU baseball player and retired veteran Major League Baseball umpire Rocky Roe will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
The event will help the EMU baseball team fund its spring trips, as well as other projects to help enhance the team's performance throughout the season. The Oestrike Distinguished Alumni Award will also be presented to its newest recipient, Brandon White, during the event.
White played for EMU from 1989-92, primarily as a utility player, appearing in 140 career games. His senior season, he pitched two games for Eastern, which drew the attention of MLB scouts. That turned into a 15th round selection in the 1992 MLB draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played two minor league seasons.
In addition to serving dinner and drinks, a raffle and silent auction will be held throughout the night for several pieces of baseball memorabilia, as well as EMU baseball items and experiences.
This year's speaker, Roe, played baseball at Eastern from 1970-72, and was the starting first baseman for the 1970 NAIA National Champions, being named to the all-tournament team. He spent 21 years as a MLB umpire, retiring in 2000. He umpired in the 1990 and 1999 World Series, as well as the 1984 and 1994 MLB All-Star games.
"We're very excited to have Rocky come back on this night of celebration as we look forward to the 2017 baseball season, in addition to honoring Brandon White with the Oestrike Distinguished Alumni Award," Van Ameyde said. "The Lead Off Dinner has been a great success the past two years, and we plan on an even bigger and better event this year. We look forward to all the families, friends, and alumni who will come together on the 11th to enjoy good food and good company."
Individual tickets for the event start at $125, while kids 12 and under are just $25. To register please visit bitly.com/leadoffdinner2017 or call Becky Demeduk at 734.487.8684. The deadline to register is Monday, Feb. 6th.
The Eagles will play a 56-game regular season slate that includes 14 games at Oestrike Stadium. The third season under Van Ameyde will kick off Feb. 17 in Ft. Myers, Fla. with a series against the University of Missouri.
Date and Time
Saturday Feb 11, 2017
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST