BOSTON – The EMC Club Level at Fenway Park was filled with Northeastern baseball supporters on Saturday afternoon as the program celebrated its annual Lead-off Fundraiser dinner. At the podium, Huskies head coach Mike Glavine took a moment to thank all of the alumni, family, friends, and donors who help the NU baseball team reach new heights each and every season with their generosity.
 
"One of my top priorities as head coach this year is to bring back our alumni and be able to reconnect with them," said Mike. "Today's event is both important and fun, and is a huge part of what we are trying to do."
 Saturday's reception was also highlighted by the appearance of 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine, Mike's older brother. As an ambassador of the game of baseball, Tom expressed the importance of having such a strong and positive relationship between alumni, donors, and the program.
 
"Every level of baseball needs an aspect of giving back," said Tom. "A big part of college baseball is about building relationships, and it is important to maintain those relationships and be able to have supporters commit not only in the short term, but on a long-term basis as well."
 
Midway through the reception, Tom spoke directly to the members of the 2015 NU baseball team in the audience, stressing the importance of playing together as a team before playing as an individual. He attributed these words of advice to his time with the Atlanta Braves, saying that the team enjoyed great success when his teammates left their egos at the door.
 
Northeastern athletic director Peter Roby shared his appreciation for the donors and alumni who came out to Fenway Park on Saturday and reflected on such a wonderful afternoon.
 
"Events like these are a chance for us to say thank you," said Roby. "Our best resources at Northeastern are our student-athletes, and today serves as a way for our alumni and donors to stay connected and see the quality of the student-athletes we foster here at Northeastern. I am grateful for Tom for coming out to this event and for helping us share in a love of baseball as well as a love for Northeastern."
 
Following the guest speakers, Mike Glavine introduced pitcher Nick Berger and catcher Josh Treff as the 2015 team captains. Berger and Treff expressed their gratitude on behalf of both the senior class and all of the current Huskies.

Several baseball and Boston sports memorabilia were up for bid at a silent auction held during the event. An autographed Tom Glavine Braves jersey and baseball caught the eyes of many passers-by, while a signed, custom bat by Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was another cherished item at the table. 
By day's end, Tom had all the best wishes for the 2015 Huskies and his younger brother in his first year as head coach of the Northeastern.
 
"I wish the Huskies well this season and hope they make great strides in the CAA this year," said Tom. "I have full confidence in Mike that he will bring the right players to Northeastern and build a program based on great integrity."
 
As a former player and 1996 graduate, Mike has witnessed first-hand the growth that the Northeastern baseball team has experienced in just 20 years time, and credits the yearly support the program receives from its donors as the key factor.
 
"Our annual Lead-off dinner links the past, present, and future of Northeastern baseball," said Mike. "Whenever you bring our alumni together with our current players and families, you have a chance to hear their stories, and it makes today's event that much more memorable."

Support for the Northeastern baseball team is ongoing, and donations to the program can be made here.
 
The Huskies will begin their 2015 season on Friday, Feb. 13 against Incarnate Word.