Kentucky State University Baseball Program

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2027 First Pitch Dinner

Mark your calendar for the 2027 First Pitch Dinner

January 23, 2027

👉 Support KSU Baseball
Make a one-time or monthly donation to the KSU Baseball Program:
DONATE HERE

Thank you for believing in our program and the student-athletes who represent Kentucky State University.

What will it take to get back to competing on our own field?

Dollar amounts are subject to change and are only estimates.

Funds to cover the paperwork, inspections, plans, and prep work: $100,000
Installation of perimeter fencing, including the backstop netting: $65,000
Demolition of current dugouts: $20,000
Build new dugouts equipped with plumbing and electricity: $250,000 for each dugout
Install new scoreboard: little to no cost
- Preliminary paperwork and inspections are required prior to any construction efforts.

Field Renovation Update

Since the inaugural First Pitch Dinner a year ago, we have made significant strides in our field renovation project. Highlights include-

The purchase of a state-of-the-art runs-by-inning scoreboard
Durable steel support beams have been donated.
Installation of high-quality field turf in the home plate area.
Resurfacing the infield and putting down new sod.
Added 60 tons of infield mix and conditioner.
Rebuilt the pitching mound.

These milestones represent substantial progress and bring us closer to realizing our vision for a top-tier facility. But our field is still unsafe to play on.

KSU Baseball Draft (1).mp4

"Let's get these kids back on campus"

2025 First Pitch Dinner Video featuring current players, Zion Lewis, Cedric Poellnitz, Preston Jones, AJ Jackson, Ashton Renfro, Anthony Holt, and Kendall Garland. Thank you to KSU Baseball alumni, Keith Landecker Butler, Jason Fullman, Justin Stinson, Aram Kumar, and Chae Butler for making this video possible.

Music by: AudioWaveMusic "Epic Life Begins"

Video by: Timeless drone photography

2026 First Pitch Dinner-POSTPONED

More information to come.....

📅 January 24, 2026

⌚ 7:00 PM ET

📍 KSU - Carl M. Hill Study Center Ballroom

🎟️ $50 Per person

⭐ $275 Per Table (includes 6 seats)

Each ticket includes a full dinner catered by Chicago-based BaseHit Catering, along with an evening of inspiration, connection, and support for KSU student-athletes.

Purchase your tickets: KSU's Baseball "First-Pitch" Dinner

The highlight of the evening will be a panel discussion featuring former Major League Baseball players with deep Kentucky roots. Panelists include:

Austin Kearns, a Lexington native and Lafayette High School graduate who played in Major League Baseball from 2002–2013 for the Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Miami Marlins.
John “T-Bone” Shelby, a Lexington native and Henry Clay High School graduate who played from 1981–1991 with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Detroit Tigers.
JT Riddle, a Frankfort native, Western Hills High School graduate, and 2010 Kentucky Mr. Baseball, who played in the majors from 2017–2022 with the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, and Cincinnati Reds.

For more information, contact Coach Rob Henry at (502) 597-6018 or AD Grant Stepp at grant.stepp@kysu.edu

Austin Kearns

John "T-Bone" Shelby

JT Riddle

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