Wednesday, Dec 16, 2015
Fundraising event will bring the last three Rider Baseball coaches together
On Jan. 23, members of the Rider community are invited to take part in the Eighth Annual First Pitch Dinner, which will celebrate over 50 years of Rider baseball. Emceed by head coach Barry Davis and featuring a roast of Hall of Fame coach Sonny Pittaro, the event starts at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. in the Cavalla Room. Former baseball coach Tom Petroff will also be in attendance. This will be the first time in Rider's history that all three baseball coaches will be honored at the same event. The 2016 Rider baseball team will also be introduced.
Every year, the First Pitch Dinner brings family, friends, students and alumni together and raises money to support the baseball program's operating budget.
Pittaro, who will be roasted throughout the dinner, coached the Broncs for 34 years and secured 766 wins, nine conference titles and eight NCAA appearances.
Petroff coached the team from 1961-70 and led Rider to over 150 wins and the 1967 College World Series. Davis, who has been the head coach since 2004, has compiled nearly 300 wins and guided Rider to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
"This year's event will be truly special because of its historical significance," Davis says. "Everyone connected to the program is excited for a special night."
The event was organized by the Rider Baseball Alumni Fundraising Committee (and led by Chair Mark Gola '94). Members of the committee also include:
Barry Davis, Joseph Doto '97, Jeff Fennelli '96, Peter Manetas '77, '84, Shana McGlinchey '02, Natalie Heringes Pollard '93 '98, Scott Rich '05, Steve Rudenstein '14, John Wagner '67, David Wandling '87 and Eric Woodrow '10.
"Playing baseball at Rider was one of the greatest experiences of my life," Gola says. "The lessons learned and friendships gained are irreplaceable. I'm looking forward to this event to embrace so many great memories and stay connected to the current program."
The cost is $75 per person (open bar from 6 to 7 p.m. and then cash bar). RSVP by Jan. 15, 2016, at .
To secure sponsorship opportunities to promote your business or organization, contact Steve Rudenstein '14 at 609-896-5291 or srudenstein@rider.edu.