AU to hold Baseball Fan Day

Aurora University will hold Baseball Fan Day on Tuesday at Solfisburg Park, 500 N. Ohio St. in Aurora.

At 2:30 p.m., a program will celebrate the Aurora Spartans' first season at their new home baseball field. The Spartans will host Carthage College at 3 p.m.

Calvin Myers of Aurora, head of the AU Board of Trustees, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Myers is a 1964 Aurora College graduate and former Spartan baseball player.

Other dignitaries expected are Tom Weisner, mayor of Aurora and an AU alum; Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns, 7th Ward; and Rebecca L. Sherrick, AU president. Mark Walsh, AU athletic director and an AU alum, will also participate.

The public is invited. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served by the AU Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Local Spartans are Anthony Amedei, Naperville; infielder; Matt Anklam, Carol Stream, infielder/outfielder; Cody DeGrush, Morris, outfielder; Martin Diaz, Aurora; infielder; Kevin Fitzgerald, Shorewood, infielder; Chris Koudelka, Woodridge, pitcher; Brennan Moroni, Glen Ellyn, catcher; Adam Offerman, Joliet, outfielder; Dave Pecorella, Glen Ellyn, infielder; Dennis Vietoris, Plainfield, pitcher; Matt Meyer, Yorkville, pitcher; David Atwood, Oswego, pitcher; Sean Noggle, Oswego, catcher; Kirk Williamson, Naperville, catcher; and Brian Shriner, Channahon, outfielder.

AU's Office of Alumni Relations is coordinating the celebration.

"We invite AU alumni, students, employees and the local community to join us in paying tribute to our baseball student-athletes," said Barbara Calvert, director of alumni relations.

"The 2008 Spartans have a great combination of youth and experience," coach Shaun Neitzel said. "The Spartans look to continue the long tradition of being a national baseball powerhouse."

For more information, call (630) 844-5486.