Baseball Auction a smashing success
2/16/2015 1:45:00 PM | Baseball
The 2015 Sam Houston State Baseball dinner and auction was without a doubt the most successful event in the program's history. More than 350 people were in attendance and over $150,000 was raised for the baseball program.
“The success of fund-raising events like this one and our football auction is a tribute to the great job done by our coaches, student-athletes and staff,” Athletic Director Bobby Williams said. “Our supporters are seeing their investment pay off.”
One of the major projects made possible by the funds will be enclosing the baseball and softball batting cages. The enclosure will allow for the heating and cooling of the facility.
Baseball lifer Jackie Moore was the featured guest speaker. Moore has been involved in the game of baseball as a player, coach and manager for more than 55 consecutive years, including 32 as a coach in the MLB and 12 with the Texas Rangers.
Those in attendance got an early look at the 2015 team as they were introduced. Several former great players and MLB draft picks were also in attendance.
“That was an absolutely first-class event in every way,” head baseball coach Matt Deggs said. “We are so thankful to everyone who attended, provided auction items and donated to support our program. We are excited about starting the season with our great fans and supporters behind us.”
The Kats have been selected to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Southland Conference baseball title by a vote of the league's head coaches. Sam Houston is hoping to be the first school in Southland history to win four consecutive conference championships.
The preseason Southland favorite Bearkats opened the season by winning two-of-three at home against Wichita State. The Matt Deggs era got started with an 8-5 win in front of the largest Opening Night crowd in Don Sanders Stadium history (1,257).
The Sam Houston State athletics department and the Bearkat Champions Fund will host two more major events in the coming months – the Night of Champions, Sunday May 3, at the Gaertner Performing Arts Center and the Bearkat Invitational Golf Tournament, presented by Streater-Smith Honda Nissan, Friday June 5, at Sterling Country Club. For more information please go to www.gobearkats.com/specialevents or call (936) 294-2364.
