WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The William & Mary baseball team kicked off the upcoming season with its annual First Pitch Dinner on Saturday night in Tidewater room of the Sadler Center. Ed Sadowski emceed the event for over 140 guest that included the team, coaches, administration and support staff, parents, alumni, and supporters of the Tribe.

During the banquet, W&M announced its Fall Team Awards, True Griffin Award and Alumni Recognition Award. Freshman Hunter Hart (Hitters Point Chart), senior Bodie Sheehan (Pitchers Point Chart) and freshman Matt Thomas (Summer Baseball) were recognized with fall accolades.

The True Griffin Award winner is given to those who demonstrate a dedication to Tribe Baseball above and beyond the call of duty. This year's recipients were Chuck & Louise Williams. The Williams family has been around the program over the past 10 years and have served in a variety of roles, providing truly remarkable dedication and support.

The staff invited back former MLB and Tribe pitcher Bill Bray '04 to be recognized for the Alumni Recognition Award for his accomplishments as a student-athlete at W&M and for his successful career. Bray is highest draft pick in program history (13th overall) and played six season in the MLB for the Washington Nationals (2006) and Cincinnati Reds (2006-13). He addressed the audience with a great message on his experience in and around William & Mary Baseball.

The Tribe opens 2019 with a home weekend series against Marist from Feb. 15-17. It is also the 20th season W&M baseball has called Plumeri Park home, which will be celebrated throughout the year.