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Huston-Tillotson University Announces the 2017 Gala Honoring Its Baseball Heritage, Celebrating Members of the Negro League Baseball, and Highlighting the Jackie Robinson Legacy
AUSTIN, Texas (1.30.17) — Huston-Tillotson University officials are pleased to announce the 2017 Diamonds in the Outfield Scholarship Gala, scheduled on Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 6 p.m., at the Hilton Austin hotel.
The Gala will feature a tribute to members of the Negro League Baseball who will be in attendance, induction of the newest member into the University’s baseball Hall of Fame; Diamonds off the Field award presentations, recognizing alumni trailblazers; and special recognition of Baseball Coach Alvin Moore, Athletic Director Charles H. Dubra, and retired Athletic Director, Coach, and Instructor James R. Wilson.
In addition, entertainment for the black-tie affair and dinner will be provided by Huston-Tillotson University’s own Elite Combo, conducted by Dr. Javier Stuppard.
Huston-Tillotson University has a proud baseball tradition that shaped a way of family life for the close-knit community that surrounded the University. Many Negro League Baseball players lived in Austin, becoming stars on the field and esteemed members of the community. Today, students from around the world are attracted to Huston-Tillotson University’s baseball program. Although Jackie Robinson did not play baseball during his association with the University, his legacy is one that is cherished by the University. Robinson relocated to Austin, Texas, where he served at Samuel Huston College (now Huston-Tillotson University) as a physical education instructor and coach of the men’s basketball team—a team that went undefeated under Robinson’s leadership. In 1970, Jackie Robinson served on the then Huston-Tillotson College Board of Trustees where he signed the restated Articles of Incorporation that formed Huston-Tillotson College, now Huston-Tillotson University. In 1945, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers’ farm team, the Montreal Royals, making Robinson the first African American to play Major League Baseball.
Leading up to the Gala, Negro League Baseball players will be celebrated at the April 8, 2017, Huston-Tillotson University baseball game during a special recognition ceremony at 11:45 a.m. at Downs Field, located at 2816 E. 12th Street.
Guests may purchase their admission for $140 or provide their sponsorship here. For more information, call 512.505.3073. Make your hotel reservation now.