The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron Baseball’s First Pitch Evening and Silent Auction, featuring Guest Speaker Shea Hillenbrand
January 26 | Baseball
AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron baseball program invites you to join us at the 2026 First Pitch Evening and Silent Auction, on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. at The Duck Club at 7 17 Credit Union Park (formerly Canal Park).
"We are grateful for the support of the UA baseball fans and Alumni," UA Director of Athletics Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich said. "Thanks to the leadership of Bill and Mary Skeeles, we continue to elevate this program year after year. The First Pitch Evening and Silent Auction will be a lot of fun for all and we highly encourage you to join us."
The event serves as a premier preseason gathering for Zips baseball donors, alumni, fans and community members, while helping support the continued growth of the program, co-hosted by the UA Baseball program and longtime supporters Bill and Mary Skeeles.
"The First Pitch Dinner provides an opportunity for the Akron Zips Baseball Community to gather and celebrate the beginning of the 2026 Season," Bill Skeeles said. "We look forward to spending time with the players, families, coaches, University staff and the Akron Baseball supporters. It will be a great event... GO ZIPS! "
The 2026 First Pitch Evening and Silent Auction features Akron Head Baseball Coach Bryan Faulds and the 2026 Akron Zips Baseball Team followed by the evening's guest speaker, former Major League Baseball All-Star Shea Hillenbrand.
"We are excited to open the 2026 season and events like these is a perfect opportunity for the players and coaches to engage with the donors, alumni, fans and community," Faulds said. "We also look forward to gaining valuable wisdom and insight from one of baseball's all-time great players in Shea Hillenbrand."
Hillenbrand owned a seven-year MLB career and was a two-time All-Star, playing for the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Register for the First Pitch Evening and Silent Auction HERE.
VIP Tickets - $125 per person
Includes early entry at 5:30 p.m. for a meet and greet with Guest Speaker & Former MLB All-Star, Shea Hillenbrand, stadium food and one drink.
General Admission Tickets - $75 per person
Includes stadium food and one drink.
The Duck Club is located inside 7 17 Credit Union Park at 300 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio.
For more information on the First Pitch Evening and Silent or University of Akron baseball, visit GoZips.com.
"We are grateful for the support of the UA baseball fans and Alumni," UA Director of Athletics Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich said. "Thanks to the leadership of Bill and Mary Skeeles, we continue to elevate this program year after year. The First Pitch Evening and Silent Auction will be a lot of fun for all and we highly encourage you to join us."
The event serves as a premier preseason gathering for Zips baseball donors, alumni, fans and community members, while helping support the continued growth of the program, co-hosted by the UA Baseball program and longtime supporters Bill and Mary Skeeles.
"The First Pitch Dinner provides an opportunity for the Akron Zips Baseball Community to gather and celebrate the beginning of the 2026 Season," Bill Skeeles said. "We look forward to spending time with the players, families, coaches, University staff and the Akron Baseball supporters. It will be a great event... GO ZIPS! "
The 2026 First Pitch Evening and Silent Auction features Akron Head Baseball Coach Bryan Faulds and the 2026 Akron Zips Baseball Team followed by the evening's guest speaker, former Major League Baseball All-Star Shea Hillenbrand.
"We are excited to open the 2026 season and events like these is a perfect opportunity for the players and coaches to engage with the donors, alumni, fans and community," Faulds said. "We also look forward to gaining valuable wisdom and insight from one of baseball's all-time great players in Shea Hillenbrand."
Hillenbrand owned a seven-year MLB career and was a two-time All-Star, playing for the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Register for the First Pitch Evening and Silent Auction HERE.
VIP Tickets - $125 per person
Includes early entry at 5:30 p.m. for a meet and greet with Guest Speaker & Former MLB All-Star, Shea Hillenbrand, stadium food and one drink.
General Admission Tickets - $75 per person
Includes stadium food and one drink.
The Duck Club is located inside 7 17 Credit Union Park at 300 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio.
For more information on the First Pitch Evening and Silent or University of Akron baseball, visit GoZips.com.
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