March 30, 2009
Alumni and
friends of St. John’s University were part of a special moment in
baseball history as they gathered on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at Citi
Field to witness the first game ever played at the new home of the
New York Mets, a sellout contest between the Red Storm and BIG EAST
rival Georgetown University. Many fans came to the stadium
hours before game time for an unhurried opportunity to explore the
features of this marvelous new facility.
“I’m here to check out the new stadium and to see a great St.
John’s game,” said Bill Janetschek ’84CBA. “This is pretty
amazing…it’s absolutely awesome.” His feelings were echoed by
Teresa A. Mason, Esq. ’79SVC, ’02HON who noted that “The stadium
looks like a picture postcard! I can’t even put into words what it
means to be a part of history. I was raised in Queens and this
event is just wonderful. It’s all great!”
The
University’s connection to New York was apparent to other alumni as
well. “This is extremely exciting,” said Robert F. Orlich ’69CBA,
’75MBA. “I grew up not more than three miles from the old stadium
[Shea Stadium], and it’s a great thrill. It’s probably the first
college game that ever sold out a major league stadium!”
The event was especially festive for members of The Loughlin
Society, who enjoyed a private reception in the exclusive Acela
Club where they watched the game and dined on traditional baseball
food in the comfort of luxurious surroundings. Peter J. Tobin
’65CBA, ’96HON voiced his extreme pride in alma mater for
organizing such an exceptional event. “Baseball is my favorite
sport,” remarked Tobin “and I know that St. John’s has a peerless
history with baseball going back many years. To break in the new
Mets field is fantastic for St. John’s and wonderful for the fans.
The game is sold out, which is absolutely great for St. John’s, the
Mets and New York.”
Throughout
the day many alumni took a moment to stop by and visit with each
other at a Meet and Greet location on Citi Field’s main concourse
level. Sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations, the area was
adorned in traditional St. John’s red and white and served as a
focal point for many alumni making their way around the stadium.
“It was great to see so many alumni here today,” said Bill
Schaeffer ’73CBA, Director, Office of Alumni Relations. “It really
shows how our alumni come together for these great events, and how
extensive our numbers are right here in the metropolitan area. As
usual, St. John’s is an important part of the New York
scene.”
It was a day for fathers and sons to enjoy baseball while
reflecting on the importance of St. John’s in their lives. “I’m
very proud of the University for getting involved with this,” said
Daniel Barker ’00CBA. “It’s really exciting to see all the red hats
and shirts around here. This was a great idea, and I’m very happy
to be a part of the St. John’s family.”
Barker’s son Peter, a prospective St. John’s student, echoed his
Dad’s remarks. “I think it’s awesome. It’s a monumental experience
to see St. John’s play the first game at Citi Field. It’s a great
feeling!”
Alumni were universally thrilled for the opportunity to be a part
of history. “I was so excited to be able to come to this brand new,
beautiful stadium” said Nancy McLernon O’Reilly ’75Ed. I came to
join my sister [Patricia A. McLernon Castel, Esq. ’74Ed, ’77L,
’04HON] and I’m thrilled to be here. I’m a Mets fan and this is
truly an exciting day.”
Although the first-ever game at Citi Field ended with a 6-4
Georgetown victory, there is no doubt that every member of the St.
John’s family will treasure the excitement of the day forever.