The annual First Pitch Dinner looked a little different in 2021 for Towson Baseball than it did in 2020. The event was presented on February 6, 2021 in a 100% virtual format and surpassed all expectations as the team's marquee fundraiser and lead-off banquet.
 
The Tiger Athletic Fund (TAF) is estimating that they will raise upwards of $22,000 from the event to support Towson Baseball during the upcoming 2021 season.
 
"This event looked different, it felt different, but it maintained the same spirit as years past," commented Towson Baseball Head Coach, Matt Tyner. "The event is all about celebrating the history of our program and creating a vision for where we are going."
 
Viewers had a chance to meet the team and hear from Towson University President Kim Schatzel, Director of Athletics Tim Leonard, Chicago White Sox RHP Lance Lynn, Atlanta Braves Manager Brian Snitker and several former Tigers. Additionally, Tiger family members who lost their lives during the past year were honored and remembered: 2017 graduate and former student-athlete, Matt Golczewski as well as Laura Tyner, wife of Head Coach Matt Tyner.
 
The annual Golczewski Pitcher's recognition was awarded to senior LHP Austin Weber. The Distinguished Alumni award was given to Andrew Weltlinger, '97 for his dedication to sharing the game with Baltimore's youth through his non-profit BUBA (Baltimore Urban Baseball Association).
 
The event was pre-recorded and presented to registrants through the Towson Sports Network via YouTube. It premiered at 8 PM EST and reached nearly 200 households with numerous viewers looking on. The event reached Tiger fans near and far, with participants watching on from California, Colorado, Arizona and all over the east coast. 40 former student-athletes tuned in for the event.
 
Each registrant also had the opportunity to order a prepared meal from Jimmy's Famous Seafood. The Baltimore restaurant offered to ship either a Crab Cake or Filet entrée to viewers nationwide.
 
"I want to sincerely thank all of the sponsors and participants who supported this year's First Pitch Dinner," added Director of Athletics Tim Leonard. "It's no secret that this year has been challenging for athletic departments across the country, and Tiger student-athletes have kept an optimistic outlook through it all. It is through their perseverance, and the dedication of Tiger Nation, that we have been able to continue to provide a beneficial student-athlete experience through this global pandemic."
 
To stream the event, please click here. To make a contribution to the Tiger Athletic Fund, please click here.