Troy University Athletics

11/3/2026 12:00:00 PM | Baseball, Softball
TROY, Ala. — The sixth annual Troy Athletics First Pitch Banquet presented by Rick and Shari Smith is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, and will once again be held in Trojan Arena.
The First Pitch Banquet serves as the annual kickoff for the Troy baseball and softball programs. Fans in attendance will have the exclusive opportunity to meet and interact with the players and coaches from both teams. Fans can purchase their seats or sponsor a table by visiting TroyTrojans.com/FirstPitch.
Coming off a historic first trip to the Men's College World Series in Omaha, Troy baseball is primed for the 2027 season . The Trojans return several stars from last year's record-breaking run, including Jimmy Janicki — the reigning Sun Belt Male Athlete of the Year and D1Baseball's No. 5 MLB Draft prospect — alongside power-hitter Jabe Boroff, outfielder Houston Markham, and southpaw Hayden Smith.
The Trojans reloaded effectively, securing their second consecutive top 25 transfer class with 13 new portal additions . On the recruiting trail, Troy added five talented freshmen, headlined by a pair of D1Baseball Top 150 recruits: infielder Kam Jenkins (No. 74) and left-handed pitcher Tyner Flynt (No. 98).
"Our First Pitch Banquet is truly the kickoff to the baseball and softball seasons," Meade said. "The excitement for both programs going into the 2027 season is unprecedented, and this is the initial window and opportunity to learn about both squads. Sign up early for Jan. 22 and see you in Trojan Arena. Go Trojans!"
Troy softball enters the upcoming season following its fourth consecutive 30-win campaign in 2026 . The Trojans return a strong core, anchored by All-Sun Belt honorees Ella Cunningham, Makaley Boswell, Abby Lovell, and Mia Tidmore .
Both Boswell and Cunningham capped stellar 2026 campaigns by earning NFCA All-Gulf Region honors . Boswell served as the engine of the Trojans' offense, leading the team in nine statistical categories . Meanwhile, Cunningham delivered impact on both sides of the diamond, ranking as the No. 10 dual-threat player in the nation according to Softball America.
"The first pitch banquet is always one of the best events of the year and we are so excited to share the evening with baseball," Newell said. "This event is always first class and it is a great way to get the inside scoop on the baseball and softball programs before the spring season arrives. Not only does this event provide a great way to show support, but it also provides an opportunity for the players and coaches to get to know and interact with friends of the program(s). We trust that everyone will mark their calendar and make this event a priority to attend."
Those interested in attending the banquet can purchase individual tickets for $125 or a table (including six seats) for $700. Each table will have a baseball and softball team member. Table sponsorships are available for $1,000 and include one table (six seats) and recognition on the video board. Dinner and drinks are included with the purchase of each ticket.
There will be a silent auction which includes exclusive Troy Memorabilia, unique game day experiences, and more. Along with that, there will be a sit-down Q & A, and an opportunity to eat and interact with both team's coaches and players.
To purchase tickets, please visit TroyTrojans.com/FirstPitch or by phone at 334-670-3681. All proceeds from the banquet will be shared between the two programs.
The First Pitch Banquet serves as the annual kickoff for the Troy baseball and softball programs. Fans in attendance will have the exclusive opportunity to meet and interact with the players and coaches from both teams. Fans can purchase their seats or sponsor a table by visiting TroyTrojans.com/FirstPitch.
Coming off a historic first trip to the Men's College World Series in Omaha, Troy baseball is primed for the 2027 season
The Trojans reloaded effectively, securing their second consecutive top 25 transfer class with 13 new portal additions
"Our First Pitch Banquet is truly the kickoff to the baseball and softball seasons," Meade said. "The excitement for both programs going into the 2027 season is unprecedented, and this is the initial window and opportunity to learn about both squads. Sign up early for Jan. 22 and see you in Trojan Arena. Go Trojans!"
Troy softball enters the upcoming season following its fourth consecutive 30-win campaign in 2026
Both Boswell and Cunningham capped stellar 2026 campaigns by earning NFCA All-Gulf Region honors
"The first pitch banquet is always one of the best events of the year and we are so excited to share the evening with baseball," Newell said. "This event is always first class and it is a great way to get the inside scoop on the baseball and softball programs before the spring season arrives. Not only does this event provide a great way to show support, but it also provides an opportunity for the players and coaches to get to know and interact with friends of the program(s). We trust that everyone will mark their calendar and make this event a priority to attend."
Those interested in attending the banquet can purchase individual tickets for $125 or a table (including six seats) for $700. Each table will have a baseball and softball team member. Table sponsorships are available for $1,000 and include one table (six seats) and recognition on the video board. Dinner and drinks are included with the purchase of each ticket.
There will be a silent auction which includes exclusive Troy Memorabilia, unique game day experiences, and more. Along with that, there will be a sit-down Q & A, and an opportunity to eat and interact with both team's coaches and players.
To purchase tickets, please visit TroyTrojans.com/FirstPitch or by phone at 334-670-3681. All proceeds from the banquet will be shared between the two programs.
Players Mentioned
Saturday, October 24
Friday, August 21
Thursday, August 13
Tuesday, June 16


















