Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – In record-setting time, the Virginia Tech baseball team is thrilled to announce that three guest ticket options have sold out for the program's 15th annual Baseball Night in Blacksburg, featuring keynote speaker and special guest Chipper Jones.
Less than a week into registration, all individual VIP meet-and-greet tickets, individual dinner tickets and reserved banquet tables with current Tech baseball members for the Saturday, Feb. 4, event have sold out.
As of Dec. 8, the only available tickets remaining are reserved feature banquet tables with VIPs Kerry Carpenter, Brad Clontz, Ryan Klesko, Packy Naughton and Mike Williams. To book one of the remaining reserved feature banquet tables, please click here.
Additional VIPs in attendance on Feb. 4 will be Gavin Cross, Graham Firoved, Chris Gerard, Andruw Jones, Joe Mantiply, Chad Pinder, Tanner Schobel and Ian Seymour.
On behalf of the Hokies, head coach John Szefc is grateful for the overwhelming support of the Virginia Tech baseball program as demonstrated by its loyal contingent of alumni, families, friends and fans.
All Baseball Night in Blacksburg proceeds will go to support the Virginia Tech baseball team, especially its continual enhancements to English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park and its accompanying facilities. Past banquets have supported the installation of artificial turf and expanded dugouts, among other general ballpark overhauls and additions.
VIPs IN ATTENDANCE
- Chipper Jones (keynote speaker) – A 19-year veteran of the Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones is an eight-time MLB All-Star, 1995 World Series champion and 2018 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. He was the No. 1 overall selection during the 1990 MLB Draft, went on to be named the 1999 National League Most Valuable Player, took home two Silver Slugger awards (1999, 2000), won the 2008 NL batting title and is enshrined in both the Braves Hall of Fame (2013) and the National Baseball Hall of Fame (2018).
- Kerry Carpenter – Having transferred into Virginia Tech to play the 2019 season, Kerry Carpenter is the Hokies' most recent MLB product, earning his first callup to the Detroit Tigers in August 2022.
- Brad Clontz – A 2011 Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Brad Clontz compiled a 12-3 record, a 3.32 ERA and 115 strikeouts during his 1992 season with the Hokies before logging a six-year MLB career, highlighted by his 1995 World Series championship with the Atlanta Braves.
- Gavin Cross – Virginia Tech's highest all-time MLB Draft selection (No. 9 overall, 2022), Gavin Cross hammered 28 home runs during his three seasons in Blacksburg, garnering praise as the Most Outstanding Player at the 2022 NCAA Blacksburg Regional.
- Graham Firoved – After compiling 108 strikeouts in a Virginia Tech uniform, Graham Firoved was chosen during the 16th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles.
- Chris Gerard – One of three Virginia Tech pitchers selected during the 2021 MLB Draft, Chris Gerard sported a 2.63 career ERA during his tenture with the Hokies and now pitches in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
- Andruw Jones – A five-time MLB All-Star, Andruw Jones won 10 Gold Glove awards during his 17-year MLB career that included 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves.
- Ryan Klesko – A 16-year MLB veteran, Ryan Klesko won the 1995 World Series with the Atlanta Braves, making his lone career All-Star appearance in 2001 with the San Diego Padres.
- Joe Mantiply – Having co-led Virginia Tech to NCAA Regional appearances in 2010 and 2013, Joe Mantiply has blossomed into a coveted MLB reliever, earning a trip to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Packy Naughton – Virginia Tech's sixth highest MLB draft selection during the 2010s, Packy Naughton registered 172 strikeouts during his career with the Hokies, making his MLB debut in 2021 with the Los Angeles Angles before finding his 2022 home with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Chad Pinder – A member of Virginia Tech's 2013 NCAA Regional team, Chad Pinder has logged 10 seasons in the Oakland Athletics organization, including seven MLB campaigns.
- Tanner Schobel – A two-year standout shortstop in Blacksburg, Tanner Schobel headlined Virginia Tech's 2022 All-American class as a six-time mention before coming off the board at No. 68 overall during the 2022 MLB Draft (Minnesota Twins).
- Ian Seymour – Virginia Tech's eighth highest MLB Draft selection (No. 57 overall, 2020), Ian Seymour manifested success with the Hokies into his professional career, garnering Tampa Bay Rays Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for August 2021.
- Mike Williams – A 2004 Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Mike Williams compiled 26 wins with the Hokies between 1988 and 1990, turning in a 12-year MLB career that featured two All-Star appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates.