The Fairfield University Friends of Baseball hosted a Hot Stove gathering at the Supply House in New York City last week. With over 35 alumni in attendance, the friends group gave an update on where the baseball program is currently, and where the program hopes to be heading into the future while reconnecting with former teammates and friends.

"Tonight was a great kickoff to a more consistent and longer term engagement strategy," said Ed Kiernan '92. "We stated our goal of $75,000 to support the necessities of the baseball program, introduced the 'Monarch' giving campaign for multi-year commitments and we signed up five more alumni to our mentorship program. We also took time to honor a friend, mentor and fellow baseball alum, Scott Larkin '93, who left this earth too soon."

Former President of the Friends of Fairfield Baseball Joe Solimine '89 added: "It is always great to be in a room full of Fairfield baseball alums that continue to come back to our program. The work that our Friends group has done to get to this point has been outstanding, and that work has shown with some of the projects we have invested in over the years. We look to continue this momentum, and be one of the premiere friends groups at Fairfield long into the future."

Head Coach Bill Currier provided a preseason prognosis of the Stags, giving insight on their non-conference schedule as well as what to expect in the MAAC this spring. Currier emphasized the impact that alumni engagement has had on Fairfield Baseball.

"We are so grateful to have such a committed, loyal group of alumni, parents and friends supporting the future of Fairfield Baseball," Currier said. "I would like to personally thank all that attended the Hot Stove event as well as those who could not attend but made contributions to our fundraising cause. President Ed Kiernan and many others did a wonderful job making this night enjoyable and prosperous, enabling our players and coaches to continue the path of a successful Division I baseball program."

The Stags will host Friends of Fairfield Baseball Day on Saturday, May 5 at Alumni Diamond in conjunction with a noon doubleheader against Iona. More information about the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information or to join the Friends of Fairfield Baseball, contact Connor Donnelly, Assistant Director of Athletic Giving, as 203-254-4000 ext. 2406 or cdonnelly@fairfield.edu.