East Lansing, Michigan is set to host an extraordinary event on February 2, 2025. The 19th Annual First Pitch Dinner at the Kellogg Center will bring together baseball enthusiasts and notable figures. The day begins at 12 p.m. with a silent auction and player autographs, followed by lunch and a formal program at 1 p.m.

Keynote Speakers: Lance Parrish and Dan Petry

This year's dinner features two members of the 1984 Detroit Tigers World Series Champions as keynote speakers. Lance Parrish, known as "The Big Wheel" for his strength and calm demeanor, played for the Tigers from 1977 to 1986. He amassed an impressive career, playing in nearly 2,000 games, catching over 1,800, with 1,715 starts behind the plate and 99 shutouts. After the Tigers, he had stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Toronto Blue Jays. Parrish was an eight-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and six-time Silver Slugger recipient. He later became a part of the Tigers' television broadcasts in 2002 and served as an assistant coach in their farm system from 1998 to 2019.Dan Petry, a pitcher for the Tigers from 1979 to 1987, made 370 appearances with 300 starts, including 52 complete games. He won 125 games, registered one save, and fired 1,063 strikeouts in his 13-year big league career. Petry was named an All-Star in 1985 and also played for the Los Angeles Angels, a second stint with the Tigers, the Atlanta Braves, and the Boston Red Sox. Along with helping the Tigers win the 1984 World Series and the 1987 American League Eastern Division, he also contributed to the Braves' 1991 National League pennant. Currently, he serves as a studio analyst for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit.

Alumni of the Year: Dr. Al Bolles and Mary Kay Bolles

Dr. Al Bolles and Mary Kay Bolles are proud Michigan State graduates and leaders in the food science industry. Dr. Al Bolles received his bachelor's degree in microbiology in 1980 and went on to earn his master's degrees in food science in 1983 and his doctorate in food science from Michigan State in 1997. He held various leadership positions, including head of worldwide research and development for PepsiCo and senior vice president, Global Technology and Quality, and chief technical officer for Tropicana. He is currently Chairman for On Food, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer for Curation Foods, Inc.Mary Kay Bolles earned her bachelor's degree in food science from MSU in 1983 and her master's in food science from Illinois in 1989. She worked for PepsiCo for eight years, including three years as Vice President/Director of Research & Development for Gatorade. Later, she became Vice President, Global Research & Development at Beam Suntory Global Spirits, a spirits company with nearly 100 brands. She retired in 2019.

Event Highlights

The 2025 MSU Baseball First Pitch Dinner will offer a variety of exciting features. There will be a silent auction, door prizes, player autographs, a team poster, and a special tribute to the Annual Crosstown Showdown between the Spartans and Lansing Lugnuts. Tickets range in price from $40 per person for children and students (8th grade and under), $50 for college students with a student ID, $65 for Spartan baseball alumni, and $75 each for adults. Sponsored tables of eight are also available.For more information on the 2025 First Pitch Dinner, download the registration form HERE or contact Tommy Merlo in the MSU baseball office at 517-355-4486 or email at TMerlo@ath.msu.edu. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the event online at www.msuspartans.com/firstpitch.