2013 USF ALUMNI WEEKEND 2011, and having attended 3 NCAA Regionals in his tenure, Giarratano and his program are not content with these distinctions. From Coach Giarratano: “We, as a program, will always strive to aim higher. We want everyone to strive for a 4.0 GPA. We want to win the College World Series each year. We aren’t content with just standing still… there’s always another step to climb.” This drive for always striving to become better each day, with each step, each AT THE HILLTOP, the one word that could summarize the weekend’s percent, has resonated with the men that have graduated from the festivities on the baseball diamond would be this: program. They have been able to take the lessons learned from family. Family is all too often a word that is taken for granted in the daily grind on and off the field at USF to heart, and used that today’s society. For some of us, the fast pace of today allows few knowledge to get each of them to where they are today. Many have opportunities to appreciate the family- we come and go from here gone to play professional ball, own small businesses, work in large to there, and we seldom have time to appreciate what we have. For corporations, become homeowners, and raise families of their own. others, the pieces were never in place to experience that structure, care, and unity that family can bring. Yet, here at the University of This weekend at USF saw a variety of faces; some new, some old, San Francisco, you can get a true sense of fellowship and belonging and many in-between. Yet, it is these jerseys with the “DONS” logo for those that have come before and played the game of baseball on the front that unites the past, present, and future together. here. It is a truly an amazing connection that all generations of When the Alumni get together and share the dugout, the field, Dons have that goes well beyond baseball. laughs, memories, and insights with each other, it is that common bond of being a Don and understanding what it means to be a part The USF Baseball Dons take this annual weekend event, this Alumni of this family in all aspects. From Mitch Kim (2B/OF, Class of 1978): Weekend, to return to the family- this is, quite simply, what makes “It was a special weekend. Usually I play on Sunday morning with this program great. It continues to be a weekend to appreciate and the classic “old” guys, but I decided to go on Saturday to watch thank all of the great players that played on the Hilltop, and all that my son, Zachary, and son-in-law, Kyle they have sacrificed for the program in making it what it is today. Lawton play. Also, it afforded me the For one weekend, these men have returned home. opportunity to catch up with all of Zach and Kyle’s teammates from 2005- Dons Head Coach Nino Giarratano has built a program modeled 2009. Just a great group of fellas… My after the same vein of the school’s roots and expectations from all daughter, Briana, also a USF graduate of their students. The University of San Francisco’s core values are (2011), was also there.” deeply seeded in the Jesuit tradition of hard work, sacrifice, and self-service. It comes as no surprise that many of those that have Alumni of all ages and classes get worn the “Dons” uniform have gone on to have strong careers (be together on this weekend to play three it in baseball or otherwise), and continue to strongly represent all games, with the games all separated by that the school stands for in the community today. With a sparkling Alumni generations versus the current Dons squad. The weekend cumulative GPA of 3.25 for the 2013 squad (tops in the West Coast started with a bang with the “Blast from the Past” Game with post Conference), winning the West Coast Conference in 2006 and 2000 graduates taking on the incoming class of Freshmen Dons. GAME 1 GAME 2 SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 SUNDAY, SEPT. 29

“BLAST FROM THE PAST” “ALUMNI CLASSIC” The Freshmen Dons were able to take the Don’t call them old timers! These Dons from first round versus the Alumni that graduated the pre-2000 classes at USF still come DONS 12 DONS 5 post 2000. Not fazed by the challenge of out each year to take the field and put the facing off against more seasoned veterans, uniform on, and still bring the same hustle ALUMNI (Post 2000) 5 ALUMNI (Pre 2000) 5 the incoming class of Dons took it to the and joy to this weekend that they brought Alumni in a blowout. Promising newcomers (5 INNINGS) when they were playing here. There are such as Matt Sinatro (son of former MLB of the same name) members from 1980’s and 70’s graduating classes, and even as (3-6, RBI) and Cody Snider (2-4, 2B, BB, RBI) led the Dons in the early as 1968 that show up for this game each year. Indeed, many offense, with 8 of the 12 runs coming in the 3rd and 4th innings. of the older generations come back each year for this event, not The Alumni squad was paced by the only Dons position player that just to play a game of baseball, but to reunite with old brothers has his number retired at USF and three time All-American Tagg and connect with the younger generation. “I had a great time at the Bozeid (2-4, 2 RBI). The Alumni were slowed by a bit of rust (evident alumni game… it was fun playing the freshmen. They are a terrific in misplayed balls that caused several runs to group of guys who treated us with great respect. It was nice seeing score both innings). the guys who I only see at the game… I think [Coach Giarratano] is doing an outstanding job recruiting players who are not only good Despite this, you couldn’t see a disappointed ballplayers but good people.” said 1B Bill Curran (Class of 1972). face in the Alumni dugout. The veteran Dons were The Freshmen Dons were able to take this 5 inning game from the laughing, joking, and hanging on every pitch and Alumni. play until the last out. Especially impressive was the breaking ball from RP Bryan Zahn (Class of No matter how long ago or what class they are from, the Dons 2004, former coach and player at USF), who went culture is always about leaving the door open for anyone that is a 1 inning and threw an impressive breaking ball for part of this family. This is why many of the “old timers” don’t even strikes. Equally impressive was the still lightning need a phone call or reminders for “Alumni Weekend”. They simply quick reflexes and footwork of OF Zach Kim, who show up and are ready to play. seems like he hadn’t lost a step since leading the league in stolen bases in 2009 (with 42). Said freshman RHP Sam Granoff, who closed out the game in 1.1 innings of work: “Playing against the Alumni was a real humbling experience… The connection past players still have with USF was a real eye opener for me, especially the fact that they still give back to a program that gave so much to them.” GAME 3 SUNDAY, SEPT. 29

“2013 DONS vs. PROS” The last of the three game set saw the 2013 Dons (both upper and underclassmen) take 2013 DONS 5 on the “Pro” Alumni Team. With the “Best of the Best” squaring off, this final game Despite the loss, you could not find one disappointed or angry ALUMNI (PROS) 3 of the Alumni Weekend did not disappoint. Alumni in the dugout. The mood was festive, jovial, and filled with With excellent starting pitching from Alumni excitement. Alumni Jon “Norf” Norfolk (was a member RHP Jesse Foppert (Class of 2001, 2nd Round Draftee (Giants) and of the USF coaching staff, Class of 2007) jokingly put the batboy Dons Senior RHP Abe Bobb to start the game, both teams traded in briefly to replace Steve Yarrow at 3B during that very inning. It zeroes for the first 3 and ½ frames. RF Stephan Gartrell (Class of was a great moment- everyone (Yarrow included) had a big laugh. 2006, Braves minor league player, 2-3, 2B, 2RBI) was the offensive While the Dons take each detail, each play, and each rep seriously, star of the game for the Alumni, driving in 2B Artiz Garcia (Frontier this weekend was to celebrate and enjoy the game of baseball for League pro baller, Class of 2012) in the Forth, and later on driving what it is. Said newest Alumni, RHP, and 2013 9th Round Draftee in fellow alumni and last year’s Dons Captain Jason Mahood (2B, (Padres) Adam Cimber: “Even though I didn’t play in Sunday’s game, Class of 2013) in the 8th with a Sac Fly. just being in the dugout with a bunch of the old guys was unlike any game I’ve ever been a part of. For me, it stripped the game down With the Alumni up 3-0, they brought in RHP Andrew Pulido (Class to its core: fun. Our dugout felt like we were a bunch of kids playing of 2013) to close it out at the top of the 9th. Pulido ran into trouble a backyard whiffle ball game… The weekend was full of love and quickly by giving friendship seen only amongst a family. It’s an honor to call myself a up a part of it.” and a base sandwiched This weekend was all for those who went their own separate ways between a flyout. after the end of their playing time at USF. Without fully realizing it With runners at the time, each and every player that stepped on the field for USF on the corners, helped make the program into what it is today. It is a testament Pulido misplayed to the fact that once you become a Don, you always stay a Don. It a dribbler down is a reminder to all that they can always call Benedetti Diamond the 3rd base line and The Hilltop home. Said to load the bases. Coach Giarratano during the Alumni 3B Stephen Yarrow (2011 WCC Defensive Player of the Year postgame breakdown, “Thank and former Giants draftee, Class of 2011) proceeded to misplay you. You are what makes two consecutive ground balls to allow the tying and go ahead runs this program great. Each and to score and give the 2013 Dons the lead. Sophomore RHP Brock every one of you. Without Larsen came in on the bottom of the 9th and got three quick outs you, this isn’t possible.” Once to seal the game for the Dons over the Alumni. you become a Don, you always remain a part of this family.