ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College NCAA baseball team will host its second annual 1st Pitch Dinner on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The preseason event is designed to officially kick off the year with Adrian College players and coaches, as the Bulldogs invite family, friends, and alumni to an opening dinner in support of the baseball program.

"We are excited to return our annual 1st Pitch Dinner for a second year," said head coach Craig Rainey '89. "This is a great way to start our season and get our players, alumni, family, and friends excited for another year of Bulldog baseball."

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour, followed by opening remarks and dinner. Head baseball coach Craig Rainey will address attendees, along with remarks from members of the senior class. Adrian College will also welcome Coach Larry Tuttle as the keynote speaker for the event.

Coach Tuttle is a graduate of Adrian College and was inducted into the Adrian College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. He spent more than 50 years coaching high school baseball across the state of Michigan, with the majority of his career at Blissfield High School. Tuttle is the winningest high school baseball coach in Michigan history and ranks among the winningest coaches nationally. During his 54 seasons at Blissfield, he compiled 1,332 wins, 33 district titles, 23 regional championships, and seven state finals crowns. He also captured 40 league championships and had his jersey number retired by the Blissfield school district.

In recognition of his impact on the program, Coach Tuttle's name is displayed at Nicolay Field, where the Adrian College third-base dugout is named in his honor.

The 1st Pitch Dinner will take place from 6–9 p.m. in the Adrian Tobias Room. Individual tickets are $75 and include dinner and two drink tickets. Tables of eight are available for $950 and include dinner, 24 drink tickets, and recognition. Guests may also serve as a Lead Program Sponsor for $1,250, which includes dinner for eight, 32 drink tickets, and recognition. To purchase tickets or make a donation, click HERE.