Schoony Magic. The term has been used to talk about the winning ways of the Kent State baseball team through the years at their crown jewel of a ballpark at Schoonover Stadium.
It also refers to some of the more miraculous, wacky ways the team has won. But more substantially it speaks to the resiliency of the team through the years to never quit, and never be out of a game.
In the mid to late 1990’s, long before any of the current players were born, commentators on television would say “The magic is back at Jacobs Field”, when referring to the amazing 90’s Cleveland Indians teams.
Make no mistake. Magic isn’t usually needed, or the main ingredient in the winning ways for the KSU program. The “magic” is in the work, culture and standard that Head Coach Jeff Duncan and pitching coach Mike Birkbeck has instilled over the years. Duncan inherited it from Scott Stricklin and has made it his own since taking over in 2014.
While the play on the field will always be the main attraction and ingredient in making the product an enjoyable one, there are others behind the scenes that help make the experience for fans special.
Schoonover Stadium has long been one of the top college baseball atmospheres in the state of Ohio, if not the entire midwest.
While there is magic at Schoony, Assistant Director of Marketing TJ Roward helps as a “wizard” behind the scenes to help the magic come alive.
Before joining KSU in his current role, Roward was an undergraduate intern for the Flashes marketing department. He assisted as the live experience/game director for men’s and women’s basketball, while leading the marketing and on-field promotions for Kent State baseball. He also oversaw the Future Flashes Kids’ Club which saw a 15% increase in membership under his direction.
Roward talked about some of the challenges and opportunities in marketing for the baseball program.
“Playing a season of baseball during the early spring and summer months in Northeast Ohio presents plenty of challenges…for obvious reasons. We work to identify specific dates and opponents that present opportunities to capitalize on revenue and the overall fan experience, but understand that unforeseen changes are to be expected. With that being said, we personally make it a point to provide a high-level experience at each and every gameday at Schoonover Stadium regardless of weather, start-time or opponent. When it comes to any home event at Kent State, whether it’s Kent State Baseball, or any of our other 18 varsity sports, we operate under the mindset that it may be someone’s first time at our facilities supporting our Student-Athletes, and we strive to create an experience that makes them want to come back for more.”
Schoonover Stadium was alive last weekend. First palace Bowling Green was in town for a big series, and they brought a lot of orange and brown clad fans. The weather was good and the Flashes delivered by taking two of three games. All three games were sold out.
“Schoony was definitely bumping, and we thank all 1,950+ fans who came out and showed their support this past weekend,” Roward said. “While I am sure that the beautiful weather had a big factor in our large turnouts, it’s no secret that our baseball program is one of the most exciting teams to come watch in the area. Their passion towards winning and enjoyment of playing for Kent State is contagious, and spreads throughout the stands the second that the first organ note bellows out of the sound system. I am always proud to have a small part in ensuring that the Student-Athletes who made the choice to play for Kent State over any other program in the nation get the support that they deserve at Schoonover Stadium.”
This weekend promises to be another fun weekend of baseball at Schoonover as the surging Miami Redhawks are in Portage County for a key series with tournament seeding on the line. Miami has won eight in a row, are 14-10 in league play and currently would be the three seed if the tournament started today, while the Flashes at 12-9 are tied for fourth.
Promotional wise, this weekend is the KENTucky Derby highlighted by an exclusive hospitality experience hosted by The Golden Flashes Club in the third base party tent. The event will feature Kentucky Derby themed food and beverage, and participating fans are encouraged to come dressed in their best derby-themed attire.
Friday’s game was moved from 6pm to Noon. The KENTucky Derby was moved up to 11am and the athletic department is offering $5 Faculty and Staff tickets.
On Friday, Roward and his staff are giving away 300 limited edition KSU Viper Sunglasses. On Saturday, Kent State Baseball program will be respecting the tragic events that took place on the KSU campus on May 4 in 1970 with a day of remembrance. On Sunday, it’s Cinco De Mayo at the Ballpark.
Kent State baseball has battled injuries this year to pitchers and position players, but they are battling and have been resilient so far. This weekend they will look to keep their momentum going from last week’s BG series. With more sellout crowds expected, Kent State baseball looks to create more memories and experiences for their fans. And maybe some magic.
FLASHES FALL TO MICHIGAN: Kent State fell at Michigan on Tuesday 6-4 in 11 innings. The Flashes held a lead in the bottom of the ninth inning before the Wolverines hit a two out, pinch hit home run, before winning it in the eleventh on a walk off home run.
ROAD TO AVON: The MAC finally released the bracket for the upcoming MAC Tournament in Avon, Ohio. BG holds the number one spot at 18-3. WMU is 13-8, Miami is 14-10 while the Flashes and Ball State are tied at 12-9 with Toledo in the final spot at 13-11.