Bulls Say Farewell To The Red With Weekend Long Celebration
May 13, 2010 | Baseball
TAMPA - As part of a weekend-long celebration of the final games played at the current Red McEwen Field, USF baseball is proud to unveil plans to celebrate the closing of the only home the Bulls have known since 1967.
With the demolition of the current facility and the construction of the Bulls' new 2,500-seat stadium scheduled to start the second week of June, the Red McEwen name will be retained. The New Red McEwen Field will be ready for play for the 2011 season.
In addition to the celebration, USF will also take the oppurtuntity to honor the late USF head coach and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Robin Roberts.
During the weekend, each player and coach associated with the USF baseball team will wear a wristband with the No. 36 in honor of Roberts . On Friday night, USF will hold a moment of silence for the baseball legend.
Historic photos of the USF baseball program will be displayed on projection screens at the facility entrance along with renderings of the new stadium. In addition, a graphic will be placed behind home plate to honor Red McEwen Field along with a special acknowledgment of the McEwen family, the field's name sake as it was dedicated in 1977.
On Friday, USF baseball will also recognize 'The Office,' the well known and vocal student section who are regulars at every USF home game. The first pitch will be delivered by all present 'Office' members, who will then stay on field and line up with the Bulls in front of the dugout for the national anthem.
Saturday's game will feature a very special recognition as USF head coach Lelo Prado has invited back each and every USF baseball alum dating back to the first Bulls team fielded in 1966. Over 75 former Bulls are expected to be a part of the weekend.
Those not able to attend will be recognized individually in between innings/half-innings throughout the final three games.
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During Sunday's game, the broadcast duo of Jim Louk and Joel Godett will be joined by a number of past USF stars during innings two through eight of the series finale.
Sunday's game will also serve as Senior Day as USF will honor seniors Andrew Salguiero, Teddy Kaufman, Matt Quevedo, Joe Cole and junior Matt Stull, who will not compete his final year due to injury. The five will be recognized by Prado during an on-field pregame ceremony. The mothers of the five seniors will throw out the game's first pitch.
Sunday is also Lelo Prado Baseball Camps “Camper Reunion Day.” Previous campers get a voucher for a free hot dog and drink. Campers also have the opportunity to run bases after the game and get autographs
Great weather is expected throughout the weekend so help USF baseball close the door on the Red and take the next step in opening a new and improved Red McEwen Field in the spring of 2011.
Both Friday's and Saturday's contests are slated for a 7 p.m. first pitch, while Sunday's series finale will start at 1 p.m.
