Casey Akenberger Director of Athletic Performance/Munn | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
Casey Akenberger Director of Athletic Performance/Munn | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
Michigan State University is set to host its 19th Annual First Pitch Dinner on February 2, 2025, at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. The event, which includes a silent auction and player autographs starting at noon, will feature Lance Parrish and Dan Petry as keynote speakers. Both are former members of the 1984 Detroit Tigers World Series Championship team.
Lance Parrish, known as "The Big Wheel," was a catcher for the Tigers from 1977 to 1986. During his Major League Baseball career, he played nearly 2,000 games and caught over 1,800 games. Parrish has been recognized with eight All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, and six Silver Slugger awards. His post-playing career included broadcasting for the Tigers in 2002 and serving as an assistant coach in their farm system from 1998 to 2019.
Dan Petry pitched for the Tigers between 1979 and 1987. Over his career spanning multiple teams including the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves, Petry recorded over a thousand strikeouts. He was an All-Star in 1985 and contributed significantly to the Tigers' success in both the American League Eastern Division and National League pennant races. Currently, Petry is a studio analyst for Bally Sports Detroit.
Dr. Al Bolles and Mary Kay Bolles will be honored as Alumni of the Year at this event. Dr. Al Bolles has an extensive background in food science with leadership roles at PepsiCo and Curation Foods Inc., while Mary Kay Bolles has held significant positions at companies like Gatorade and Beam Suntory Global Spirits before retiring in 2019.
The dinner will also celebrate Michigan State's baseball tradition with activities such as door prizes and tributes to local rivalries like the Crosstown Showdown against Lansing Lugnuts.
Tickets are available for purchase ranging from $40 to $75 depending on age or alumni status, with options for sponsored tables of eight. Interested attendees can obtain more information or register by contacting Tommy Merlo via phone or email or visiting www.msuspartans.com/firstpitch.
Alerts Sign-up