CHICAGO -- The Flames welcomed back former players, coaches, and their families to Les Miller Field at Curtis Granderson Stadium for Alumni Day on Saturday, Sept. 11, in celebration of UIC's proud baseball history and exciting future under head coach
Sean McDermott.
"It was great day for UIC baseball," said McDermott. "Alumni from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, all the way to our current roster, returned to campus. We've had so many great teams, coaches and players throughout our history and they make up an incredible community that is passionate about our baseball program."
"It was fun hearing our alumni share stories, compare experiences, and maybe brag a bit about their past. The pride for UIC baseball among these gentlemen was evident."
The event began at 9 a.m. with a scrimmage featuring the current Flames roster. Following the scrimmage, it was time for the alumni to step up to the plate for batting practice from McDermott and fellow alums of the program.
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After lunch, a panel discussion of alumni from all eras of UIC baseball shared stories and remarks about what the program means to them. The panel featured Bill Bonk, Rick Panek, Dan Martin, Tadd Gibson, Pete Lotus, John Rosner, and former director of athletics and baseball assistant coach Jim Schmidt.
Current UIC director of athletics
Michael Lipitz then introduced Curtis Granderson. In an on-field presentation, the Flames honored Granderson's #28 retired jersey with a banner on the outfield wall.
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"It was wonderful to welcome back our alumni to honor our past and celebrate the future of Flames baseball," said Lipitz. "Permanently displaying the retired jerseys of Curtis Granderson and Mike Dee is an appropriate recognition of their significant contributions to UIC and its baseball program. We look forward to hosting these types of events more regularly moving forward."
It was then Granderson's turn to recognize his head coach at UIC, recently retired skipper Mike Dee, as Granderson and McDermott retired Dee's #8 jersey with a banner of his own.
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"It was a special day to honor Mike Dee for his tremendous impact on UIC baseball. He built great teams and facilities, but more importantly he built great young men over the past 23 years. Mike changed the image of UIC baseball nationally," added McDermott.
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(Outfield wall recognitions of Curtis Granderson and Mike Dee will be fully installed later this fall)
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The day wrapped up with tours of the facilities, including the indoor practice field and the team's recently renovated locker room and lounge. Alumni gathered around well after the festivities ended, sharing stories and memories from their time at UIC.
"Our program is always open to our alumni. We want them to see them at our practices, lunches and golf outings. Most importantly, though, I can't wait to see them all out at Les Miller Field at Curtis Granderson Stadium for our spring season," said McDermott.Â
