Virginia Baseball Announces Plans for Virtual Step Up to the PlateVirginia Baseball Announces Plans for Virtual Step Up to the Plate

Virginia Baseball Announces Plans for Virtual Step Up to the Plate

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia baseball program will host its annual “Step Up to the Plate” fundraiser virtually on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. The event will include the opportunity to meet the 2021 team, the announcement of 2021 UVA Baseball Hall of Fame class, a question & answer session with coaches and student athletes, an online raffle/auction and much more.

In its 19th year, the Step Up to the Plate fundraiser has served as the unofficial kickoff event for the upcoming UVA baseball season and its proceeds help support the Virginia baseball program.

“The longstanding success of Step Up to the Plate has been made possible by our loyal and dedicated Virginia Baseball fans and donors.  While a virtual event will certainly be a unique experience, I think it is important that we continue the tradition of kicking off our season with Step Up to the Plate, which has been such an integral part of our program over the years.”

For the first time at Step Up to the Plate, the program will unveil the 2021 Virginia Baseball Hall of Fame class. A total of 28 former Cavaliers student-athletes and coaches have been enshrined into the University of Virginia Baseball of Fame since the inaugural class was inducted at the 2018 Step Up to the Plate event.

“Personally, one of my favorite days of the year is getting to make the phone calls to inform a number of our former players of their selection into the Virginia Baseball Hall of Fame but this year gives us a unique opportunity to be able to experience this “live” with our fans.”

-Brian O'Connor

Tickets and virtual table sponsorship opportunities are on sale now and can be ordered online through the Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF) or by calling 800-626-8723. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to ensure access to the exclusive event.

Table Sponsor ($2,500)*

  • Private virtual call with UVA Player/Staff member
  • Attendance for your “table” to 2021 Step Up to the Plate virtual event

*Tax deductible donation

To purchase and receive additional details, please contact Lo Davis with VAF at LoDavis@virginia.edu

Jersey Sponsor ($150)*

  • Attendance for your household to the 2021 Step Up to the Plate virtual event
  • (1) Authentic UVA Jersey gift
  • Signed team baseball gift – Limit of 3 per sponsor for 8th grade and younger
  • Signed posters (up to 4) will be available for each sponsor.

*Tax deductible donation

To purchase online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virginia-baseball-virtual-step-up-to-the-plate-registration-129904785711

Access to the event can also be purchased by calling VAF – 800-626-8723

The Step Up to the Plate event boasts an impressive resume of keynote speakers from the baseball world: former St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa (2003), Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. (2004), Hall of Famer and former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda (2005), Hall of Famer and former Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson (2006), Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs (2007), current Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona (2008), former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel (2009), Hall of Fame outfielder Dave Winfield (2010), former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine (2011), Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith (2017) and Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz (2019).