John Smoltz Helps Virginia Kick Off 2019 Season

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – At the Virginia baseball program’s annual Step Up to the Plate fundraising event, Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz addressed a crowd over 1,000 Virginia supporters as the keynote speaker on the floor of John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday night (Jan. 26).
 
In a tradition established last January, Virginia also inducted seven new members into the Virginia Baseball Hall of Fame. The 2019 induction class included: RHP Tim Burcham (1983-85), 2B/OF Phil Gosselin (2008-10), OF Brandon Guyer (2005-07), C/1B John Hicks (2009-11), LHP Casey Lambert (2004-07), 3B Steven Proscia (2009-11) and 2B Mel Roach (1952-53).
 
A total of 22 members have been inducted into the Virginia Baseball Hall of Fame that now has a permanent home along the right field concourse of Disharoon Park.
 
The event’s famed silent auction featured over 275 items highlighted by baseball memorabilia, exclusive experiences and rare historical artifacts that like a ship pass dated from 1804 signed by UVA founder Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
 
Virginia opens up its 2019 slate on the field on Feb. 15. at the MLB 4 Collegiate Tournament in Scottsdale Ariz. The Cavaliers will engage in a rematch of the 2014 & 2015 College World Series final in the season-opener against Vanderbilt on the MLB Network before squaring off against TCU (2/16) and Cal State Fullerton (2/17).