The Youngstown State baseball program's annual First Pitch Breakfast proved to be another tremendous success as five-time MLB All-Star and two-time World Series champion George Foster was the featured speaker on Saturday morning at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield.
Optimism and excitement are high for the Penguins as they open the 2025 season and their first season under new head coach Trevor Charpie with a three-game series at Baylor on Feb. 14-16. YSU's home and Horizon League opener against Milwaukee at Eastwood Field is scheduled for Friday, March 14 at 6 p.m.
Charpie started the program by introducing himself to the baseball fans and Penguin faithful on hand as he prepares to embark on his debut season as the leader of the YSU baseball program. YSU's new skipper emphasized how overwhelmed and thankful he as well as his staff and players are for the support that exists for YSU athletics, and how amazing it is to be able to host such a special event to kick off their season.
Charpie thanked a multitude of personnel who make the event possible as well as the staff at Waypoint 4180 for serving as an outstanding host for the event once again. He went on introduce his 2025 coaching staff and players, thanking them for their hard work and dedication since he took over the program over the summer. Charpie reinforced how special fundraising events like the First Pitch Breakfast help support the program's early-season trips and investment into baseball technology.
Charpie then introduced Foster to the crowd, which included many lifelong Cincinnati Reds fans who were extremely excited about the opportunity to meet and hear from a integral member of the famed "Big Red Machine". Foster shared several stories from his accomplished playing career, many of which had the crowd erupting with laughter. He shared insights on how he approached the game and provided thoughtful advice and tips to YSU's current players as they move throughout their own baseball careers. The 1977 National League MVP also expressed how impressed he was with the showing of support for YSU's baseball program and the ability to host such a great event.
YSU senior right-hander Jacob Gehring closed the event by thanking his coaches and YSU's athletic administration for the support he and his teammates receive as student-athletes at Youngstown State. The Canfield, Ohio, native noted the unique passion and support that exists for YSU and baseball in the Mahoning Valley, and how excited he is go out and make Youngstown proud on and off the field. Gehring, who transferred back home to YSU from Ohio State before last season, expressed how close this season's team has become and that there is a special bond among the players and coaches.
Fans and supporters are reminded that the 2025 YSU Baseball First Pitch Breakfast Auction is live online until Monday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. Follow the link provided above to browse and bid on a great selection of exclusive items and memorabilia.
The Youngstown State baseball team will begin the 2025 season on Feb. 14 at Baylor as part of a three-game series on opening weekend. For the latest news and updates leading up to opening day, follow @YSUBaseball on X and Instagram.
