Spartan Baseball to Honor Tigers Legends and MSU Alumni
Michigan State baseball will celebrate its rich history and honor the accomplishments of two of Spartan baseball’s extraordinary alumni. Join the Spartans for their 19th Annual First Pitch Dinner on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The celebration efficiently kicks off at 12 p.m. with a silent auction and opportunities for prized autographs. Following, guests will enjoy a lunch and formal presentation.
Legendary Tigers Take Center Stage at First Pitch Dinner
The 2025 event boasts renowned keynote speakers: Lance Parrish and Dan Petry, who both played pivotal roles in the Detroit Tigers’ 1984 World Series victory. Joining them as Honored
Alumni of the Year, are two esteemed Spartans: Dr. Al Bolles and Mary Kay Bolles. Dr. Bolles, CFO of Microsoft, earned his degree in food science from MSU, and Mary Kay also received her Bachelor’s degree in food science from MSU.
Legacy at MSU Trailblazers before their alumni returns to highlight a dynamic career:
Dr. Al Bolles earned both his Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in food science. Before returning to the Spartans, he worked as Head of Masculine Beverage for PepsiCo. He earned his doctorate in Food Science from Nebraska. Mary Kay earned her Bach
He received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology in 1980. He served the University 3 EXECUTIVE TEAM
Playing Favorites and Food Science Leaders Take Center Stage
In addition to its main attraction, the 2025 annual event highlights a mix for baseball a Tribute to the annual Crosstown showdown between the Spartans and Lansing Lugnuts. The event will offer various opportunities to engage with current Spartan baseball players.
Does the First Pitch Dinner, by honoring successful alumni from diverse fields, effectively inspire current students and young athletes?
**Host:** Joining us today is [Guest Name], a dedicated Spartan baseball fan and alum. Welcome to the show!
**Guest:** Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to talk about this exciting event.
**Host:** The upcoming First Pitch Dinner sounds like a truly special occasion. Bringing together World Series champs and accomplished MSU alumni is quite a feat. What are your thoughts on honoring both Lance Parrish and Dan Petry alongside Dr. Al Bolles and Mary Kay Bolles?
**Guest:** It’s a fantastic idea! You’ve got legendary Tigers players who inspired generations of baseball fans, and then you have these Spartan alumni who have excelled in completely different fields. It highlights the diverse talent that comes from MSU and shows the lasting impact it has on its graduates.
**Host:** Absolutely. And Dr. Bolles’s journey from food science to CFO of Microsoft is truly inspiring. Do you think events like this can help inspire current students and young athletes?
**Guest:** I definitely think so. Seeing successful alumni, no matter their path, can motivate students to reach for their goals. It shows them that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
**Host:** The event also incorporates the Crosstown showdown tradition between MSU and the Lansing Lugnuts. How important is it to showcase this local rivalry?
**Guest:** It’s crucial! It not only brings together the community but also fosters a sense of Spartan pride and tradition. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for young fans to witness some exciting baseball.
**Host:** Certainly, a great way to engage the next generation of Spartan fans. Thank you so much for sharing your insights, [Guest Name].
**Guest:** My pleasure. I’m looking forward to a fantastic event!
**Host:** Now, let’s open this up for discussion. Do you think events like the First Pitch Dinner are essential for building a strong sense of community and school spirit? Share your thoughts.