Varsity baseball hosts alumni golf outing

At 10 a.m. Oct. 23, the Dominion Club golf course will be overrun by VCU athletics alumni, when the baseball program hosts its first alumni golf tournament.

VCU’s baseball team is celebrating its 34th anniversary since it began in 1971. With a conference record of 137-70 and a tournament record of 27-15, the team has gained a respectable position over the years.

They have earned seven conference titles since 1988 and a tournament championship in 2002. The Rams have also participated in the NCAA eight times since 1988.

With a firmly established program, VCU is throwing its first golf outing to recognize the players from past years.

“It’s a situation for all alumni to get together,” said assistant coach Shawn Stiffler. “VCU has changed so much in the past 30 years. It’s a chance for the older players to meet the younger ones, a chance to recognize those who built the program.”

Although the team will add to their coffers, fundraising only the minimal element of the event. The outing will consist of a friendly game of golf with close to 30 teams, followed by a dinner reception for the players.

The hall of fame will induct its first members following the dinner, a new element for the program by creating a baseball players only hall of fame.

The coaches have said that it is nothing against the VCU sports hall of fame; however, they would like to formally acknowledge their alumni.

“We felt like it was time for us to recognize them,” said head coach Paul Keyes. “This is more of an alumni support function to bridge the gap of the players from the ’60s and ’70s.”

One player per decade will be initiated at the reception, including Bruce Henderson from the ’60s, and Eric Sauve from the ’90s. Terry Sisiskey will also be recognized for his broadcasts for the games for the past 25 years. Each inductee will receive a plaque to take home and hopefully a memorial for a future clubhouse.

At the moment, VCU plays at the Diamond and shares the clubhouse with the Richmond Braves. The Braves use it during the summer, and VCU has access during the season. They hope to one day officially make it their own.

Some of the big -eague players are expected at this event, including the Red Sox right-handed pitcher, Cla Meredith and possibly the Cubs’ starting pitcher Sean Marshall.

“Next year we want to fly all our pro guys back,” Keyes said.

VCU has had around 63 players chosen by the draft since it started in 1982, four of whom currently play in the MLB.

Many former team members come back to work out and visit VCU, so it is not awkward when the college players get to meet the big leaguers.

The registration form for the golf outing can be found on the baseball team’s website at vcurams.vcu.edu/baseball.