Beavercreek Native Justin Masterson Headlines First Pitch Banquet
1/13/2016 5:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Wright State baseball program has announced that major league pitcher and Beavercreek native Justin Masterson will be the keynote speaker at the 12th annual First Pitch Banquet on Friday, February 5, 2016, on the main arena floor in WSU's Nutter Center.
Justin Masterson is a 2003 graduate of Beavercreek High School where he starred in baseball and basketball. He then attended Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, for two seasons before transferring to San Diego State University for his junior year. There he pitched for Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 2nd round of the 2006 MLB draft following the college season. He shot through the minors and made his MLB debut on April 24, 2008.
At the trade deadline in 2009, he was sent to the Cleveland Indians where they immediately turned him into a starter and he went on to win 43 games over the span of four and a half years with the club. In 2010, he cemented himself as the Indians' ace and in 2013 had the best year of his career, while finishing in the Top 10 in almost every major pitching category and capped it off by being named to the MLB All Star team.
In 2014 he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline and signed back with the Boston Red Sox for the 2015 season. Justin and his wife Meryl were married on November 7, 2007, and have a five year-old daughter, Eden Joy, and two year-old twins, Nadia Ann and Cruz Daniel.
Justin was the Indians nominee for the 2011 and 2013 Roberto Clemente Award which is given annually to the MLB player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team”. Every offseason, Justin and Meryl travel the world to places like the Dominican Republic and Kenya on mission trips to serve children through organizations such as Bright Hope. Two years ago, the Mastersons founded The Fortress Foundation (fortressfoundation.org) to help their many charitable endeavors, including FCA, Pub Theology, Not for Sale, Strongwalk ministries, and numerous other local churches.
“I am really excited that Justin was willing to come back home and be a part of our banquet," WSU head coach Greg Lovelady said. "To have a local Beavercreek guy that has had the success he has had, on and off the field, and be willing to help our program out is awesome. I am excited that the community he was raised in will be able to come out and support us both that night as well. He is also very bright and grounded and I am excited to hear his message and his amazing story. He and his wife and done so much good for the world that I am looking forward to hearing more about that. The First Pitch Banquet has been a huge success the last 11 years and I believe having Justin keynote the 2016 version will help continue that trend.”
Masterson follows in the list of great speakers, including Scott Rolen (2015), Dwight Gooden (2014), Dave Stewart (2013), Joe Smith (2012), Bill Bavasi (2011), Dusty Baker (2010), Jeff Brantley (2009), Marty Brennaman (2008), George Foster (2007) and Steve Garvey (2006). Jim "The Rookie" Morris was the first ever speak for the WSU First Pitch Banquet in 2005.
The First Pitch Banquet features a sit-down dinner along with a silent auction. The cost for the event will be $70 per person or a VIP table for 10 guests costing $1000. The VIP table includes recognition during the program and admission to a pre-event meet and greet with Masterson. The doors will open to the public at 6:30.
If you have any questions, please contact WSU head baseball coach Greg Lovelady at (937) 775-3668 or greg.lovelady@wright.edu. Fans can pay by going here.
