MORAGA, Calif. — Leading up to the first weekend of the season, Gaels Baseball hosted its First Pitch Dinner on Friday night, and the event was a huge success. In an effort to raise money for the baseball program, the Gaels brought together current players and coaches with families, alumni of the program, and even some big names to join in on the festivities.
 
The evening began with the blessing of the new hitting facility that is up and ready for the beginning of the season. After changing venues, emcee Danielle Martin began the dinner by preaching the message that has gotten herself so much acclaim. Martin has done just about everything imaginable, from motivational speaking, television hosting, surfing, Jiu Jitsu, and much more. Martin has been involved in various programs that work with women, men, and children who have been victims of violence and predation, while placing an equal emphasis on both the mental and physical aspects of personal protection. 
 
"Danielle has some of the most incredible life experiences I have seen," assistant coach Riley Goulding noted about Martin. "She has been a National Champion in Jiu Jitsu, been named California State Athlete of the Year as a professional surfer, and has been a motivational speaker for organizations such as Citibank and Kaiser Permanente. Danielle is truly a one-of-a-kind person."
 
There were large numbers of families and former players in attendance, including three with very strong big-league ties. First, Tom Candiotti showed up in support of his two sons who are on the roster: Casey and Clark. Tom's major league career was very successful, spanning 16 seasons and five teams. His best stint came from 1986-1991, when he played parts of six seasons with the Cleveland Indians, winning 72 games and posting 200+ innings pitched in all of those seasons. He also spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and parts of two seasons with the local Oakland Athletics.
 
Robert Stephenson was in attendance on Friday night, an exciting young arm in the bullpen for the upstart Cincinnati Reds. Stephenson is a graduate of Alhambra High School in Martinez, and he was drafted by the Reds as the 27^th overall pick in 2011, eventually making his major league debut in wining fashion on April 7, 2016 against the Philadelphia Phillies. After a transition to the bullpen during his fourth season, Stephenson enjoyed his best year in the majors, going 3-2 with a 3.76 earned run average and 81 strikeouts in 64.2 innings.
 
The biggest name in attendance during the First Pitch Dinner was the home run king himself, Barry Bonds. During a career that lasted 22 seasons, 15 with the San Francisco Giants, Bonds became one of the most feared hitters of all-time, owning the major league home run record with 762, including a single-season best 73 in 2001. Bonds twice led MLB in batting average, twice in home runs, was named the most valuable player of the national league a record seven times.
 
"Friday's event was a celebration of Gaels Baseball, past, present and future," head coach Greg Moore said of the successful event. "It was a Saint Mary's event, with the usual family feel. No one wanted to leave. The current players' eyes are opened by the number of enthusiastic supporters in the room." 
 
After all, the event is a fundraiser, and the Gaels were able to generate over $100,000 for the baseball program through the dinner and live and silent auctions.
 
"It's always a great time when you get family, friends, and supporters in one place for one reason," associate head coach Jordon Twohig mentioned. "[Friday] was about Gaels Baseball, and specifically the fine young men that make up the team. We were blown away as a coaching staff by the amount of care and love that went into making this dinner go well."
 
The season officially gets underway on Friday night in Huntsville, Texas as the Gaels take on Sam Houston State in a three-game series. The Gaels home opener is Monday, February 17 at 2:00 pm at Louis Guisto Field. 
 
#GaelsRise - Season tickets ($80 for adults, $60 for youth/seniors), single game tickets, and group tickets are available.  To purchase tickets click here.