Take Me Out to the Ball Game
On August 21st, 2024, Oakland City University faculty, staff, students, and alums spent the evening at Bosse Field, home of The Evansville Otters baseball team.
OCU crowded the outfield patio deck at Bosse Field and enjoyed food, drinks, a complimentary Otters ball cap, and premium seats for the big game.
The Otters celebrated the 2024 Mighty Oaks baseball team that, under the helm of fourth-year head coach Andy Lasher, led his team to another record-setting season, finishing 45-18, including a 17-7 mark in the River States Conference, ranking third in the west division and their first-ever number one overall seed at the NCCAA National Tournament where OCU reached the championship round for just the second time in team history. The Mighty Oaks finish their season as Runner-up in the national championship game, equaling the best showing in school history.
Coach Lasher was honored by throwing out the first pitch to Otter’s catcher, Logan Brown.
On deck was OCU President Dr. Ron Dempsey, who threw out the second ceremonial first pitch, followed by Dr Steve Custer, who led the stadium in the singing of our National Anthem.
President Dempsey and OCU mascot Oakie presented Micah Austin of Webster County High School in Dixon, Kentucky, with an OCU scholarship worth $48,000.00. Alongside Micah was his father and OCU alum, Mark Austin, who played baseball and basketball for the Might Oaks. His mother, Erica, was also with Micah, an alum who played softball for coach Patti Buchta. Finally, Micah’s sister Marissa, a fifth-year graduate student and basketball player who eclipsed the 1,000-point club last season, was also at the game to support her baby brother.
308 OCU supporters signed up for the unseasonably cool summer night at the Grand Ole Park.
It was a pitching duel over the first five innings before the Otters pulled away over the final four innings to defeat the Chicago ThurderBolts, 3-0.
Plans are being made to duplicate the family night for a second Otters outing next year.
David Hose, OCU Sports Information Director, provided important content to this story.