A former Atlanta Braves pitcher and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee spoke at Kennesaw State baseball’s First Pitch Dinner at North Star Church on Jan. 14.
John Smoltz is a former eight-time All-Star who played for three Major League Baseball teams in his 21-year career, most notably with the Atlanta Braves from 1988 to 2008. He won numerous awards in his illustrious career, including the 1996 Cy Young Award and a 1995 World Series title with the Braves.
Smoltz told some touching stories about how he became the man he is today, discussing his childhood dream to become a professional baseball player as well as his toughest feats while playing the game that he loves.
“If you don’t think it, you’ll never believe it,” Smoltz said. “If you don’t believe it, you’ll never dream it. If you don’t dream it, you certainly won’t achieve it.”
Following Smoltz’s speech, KSU Athletic Director Milton Overton spoke about the new additions coming to Kennesaw and expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff and the whole athletic department for putting together the dinner event. Overton revealed the athletic department’s plan for building a new baseball stadium due to receiving a hefty donation from the Dunn family.
“This is our vision,” Overton said. “This will be the absolute first thing you will see on campus and the legacy of the Dunn family will continue to live on through the wonderful gifts they have provided.”
Head Baseball Coach Ryan Coe was then invited onto the stage for a question and answer session. Coach Coe is a former KSU baseball alumnus holding multiple school records. He enters 2022 in his fourth year at the helm of the team.
KSU seniors Tyler Simon and Luke Torbert spoke on stage for the player spotlight, where they discussed how the team was doing prior to the season and what they would like to see from their team this year.
The 2022 KSU baseball season kicks off on Feb. 18 with the Owls competing against the Morehead State Eagles in a five-game series. The Owls are looking to win their first baseball championship since 1994 this season. KSU’s baseball team has introduced 15 new players from the transfer portal on top of the returning roster from last season.
