Coastal Carolina University announced on May 4 that it will celebrate the Chanticleers’ 2016 National Championship baseball team during a weekend series against Old Dominion at Springs Brooks Stadium. The celebration will take place from May 8 to May 10, with special events scheduled throughout the weekend.
The event aims to recognize the achievements of the 2016 team, which captured Coastal Carolina’s first NCAA National Championship in baseball. Fans and alumni are invited to participate in several activities honoring the team’s historic season.
Members of the championship team will be available for a fan meet-and-greet on Friday, May 8, from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the concourse between sections 106 and 107. On Saturday, May 9, a pregame ceremony recognizing the team is scheduled for approximately twenty-five minutes before first pitch, which may be adjusted due to university commencement activities that day. A video tribute and additional recognitions are planned throughout Saturday’s game.
The Chanticleers finished their championship season with a record of 55-18 overall and won both the Big South Conference regular-season title and tournament before advancing through postseason play. Led by head coach Gary Gilmore, who achieved his career’s milestone win in the title game, Coastal Carolina defeated Arizona in Game Three of the Men’s College World Series Finals on June 30, 2016.
Highlights from that decisive game include G.K. Young’s two-run home run following defensive errors by Arizona and strong pitching performances by Andrew Beckwith—who was named Most Outstanding Player—and Alex Cunningham who secured victory for Coastal Carolina.
As part of this weekend’s festivities, author Scott Pleasant will attend to sign copies of his book chronicling Coastal’s championship run. Fans can also receive commemorative items such as Gary Gilmore bobbleheads and limited-edition posters while supplies last.
