With Spring on the horizon, the ASU baseball program announced the season this past weekend, welcoming fans and alums into Municipal Stadium for a new Sun Devil tradition. Former athletes and celebrities came together in a friendly head-to-head softball game to build connections and commemorate the past.
"It's a great day to celebrate Sun Devils of all types," said ASU athletic director Graham Rossini. "It's a new event for our fanbase to signal that the baseball and softball season is right around the corner and to come to the ballpark in anticipation."
This game consisted of two teams, Maroon and Pinstripe, with rosters filled with past University athletes and celebs. Besides former baseball and softball players, the athletes ranged from wrestling to football with hopes of bringing in a crowd full of loyal Sun Devil fans.
But this was more than just a game built off nostalgic fun, it was a passionate event meant for current athletes to learn from those before them and a chance for this program to bridge a gap between them and their supporters.
Softball and baseball alumni Amber Freeman and Seth Martinez were two of many guests who got time to reflect on their past careers. Freeman said that there were many updates to be exchanged with former teammates who are all in "different phases of life."
"I think it just shows the community and the relationships that ASU has always had, especially in the baseball community," Martinez said
It was meaningful for the former athletes to have the chance to reconnect and have fun. After all their time spent on the field in Municipal and Farrington during their careers, they have high expectations for the upcoming season.
"The expectations are always the same, to win," Martinez said. "I'm sure there is tons of talent that they've gone and gotten and that have already been here."
Sun Devil Baseball added new faces to their ball club to give the fans a more thrilling and entertaining season. However, all the work of the offseason can be overwhelming to young players and make them lose sight of why they’re here, simply for the joy of the game.
"(The new tradition) brings back to us that this is a fun game," said pitching coach Jeremy Accardo. "At the end of the day, when you want to play professionally, you want to play at this level, it takes a bit of fun away because it becomes a lot of work. But it’s always fun to relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy being on the grass."
Junior outfielder Kien Vu is one of those players who took advantage of learning from those who've been in his shoes. He and many others got the chance to ask former athletes questions about their times as a Sun Devil.
"It's cool that each player can connect with each one and then figure out what story aligns with how they've come up," said Vu. "Everyone is getting the opportunity to ask questions and figure out what works for them and how other people have done it."
From an alumni's perspective, Freeman sees the benefits of gathering for events like these and how special it is to be given a chance to share things she and others have gone through. Freeman said it makes current athletes feel comfortable to know the people before them also handled the challenges that come with being a student-athlete.
The program holding events like these is viewed as an opportunity for those who’ve supported the University for years to get a more personal experience, rather than just cheering from the stands.
Accardo asks fans to build stronger athlete-fan relationships and never stop rooting for them, even when times get tough.
"I want them to feel comfortable enough to say 'Hello,'" said Accardo. "I want them to be part of this thing. Some of our fans remember being around in those (championships), and they miss it ... It's these nine guys we put on the field every day, but it starts with (fans)."
The excitement of what’s to come for the Sun Devils will be all uncovered this Valentine's Day when they face Ohio State in their home opener. For now, the additions of the offseason, an eager fanbase and a hungry ball club all make for a perfect combination to get this season started.
Edited by Henry Smardo, Sophia Ramirez and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at linunez@asu.edu and follow @laurentahuka on X.
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Lauren is a junior studying sports journalism with a minor in digital audiences. This is her third semester with The State Press. She has also worked at Blaze Radio Sports, WCSN and Sun Devil Athletics.
