Oct. 14, 2015
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The San Diego State baseball team will holds its annual Halloween Game on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Coaches and players will all be in costume for the contest, which is scheduled to get underway at 12:00 p.m.
Stadium gates will open at 11:00 a.m. and there is no charge for admission. All fans who attend will receive special Halloween treats during the course of the game.
Prior to the Aztecs taking the field there will be a Challenger baseball game featuring athletes with special needs.
Motivational speaker Champ Pederson will be attending as an ambassador of Best Buddies, an organization that offers members opportunities for socialization, leadership development, and integrated employment, thereby providing the necessary tools for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to become more independent and more included in the community.
In addition, two other organizations will be recognized at this year's event.
D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome)
Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, or D.A.D.S., is a committee or community group (within a local Down Syndrome support organization) of fathers of children who happen to have Down syndrome.
DSA (Down Syndrome Association)
DSA is the lead organization on Down syndrome in San Diego County, serving more than 1000 families and professionals. Throughout the years, DSA has established numerous community partners who support and augment services for families, and enrich the lives of people with Down syndrome. DSA is actively engaged in key local, state and national initiatives, influencing policy and practices that impact health care, education and social service programs.
The Aztecs are currently in their fall practice season as they gear up for their 2016 campaign. The Halloween contest will give the team a break from the normal practice routine and a chance for fans to enjoy a fun afternoon of baseball.
SDSU returns 22 letterwinners from the 2015 squad that captured a third consecutive Mountain West Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Regional. The 2015 team is led by first-team all-Mountain West shortstop Danny Sheehan and Freshman All-America honoree Chase Calabuig. Also back are all-NCAA Regional team member Alan Trejo plus all MW tourney selections Justin Wylie and Jacob Erickson.
The Aztecs have added a group of 17 newcomers to their preseason roster, a group that a high school All-America third baseman and two others who earned all-state honors during their prep careers.
San Diego State will open its 2016 season on Friday, Feb. 19, at 6:00 p.m. when it hosts Oregon at Tony Gwynn Stadium.