Baseball in Fort Wayne

The 2007 edition of the Fort Wayne Wizards will kick off with a new twist. In lieu of the traditional “Meet the Wizards” event that has occurred in the past, the hometown club will face the Crusaders from Valparaiso University on April 4 at Memorial Stadium. The scheduled start time is 6:00 p.m. and admission to all fans is free. Parking will be $4.00 per car.

The game is marks the first time in Wizards’ history that the team has face a college-level opponent in exhibition play. In addition, the game will include at least two local ties to the area.

The college squad is led by former Wizards skipper, Tracey Woodson. Woodson led the Wizards in 2002, with a record just above .500 at 69-68.

Woodson’s professional playing career was highlighted by five seasons in the major leagues. He was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1987-1989, playing the corner infield for the World Champion 1988 squad. Woodson also played for the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1992 and 1993.

Woodson played in the minor leagues through 1996, when he was named the New York Yankees AAA Most Valuable Player with Columbus. He was a member of three AAA championship teams and a AAA All-Star in 1988. He also played in the AA All-Star game in 1986. [source: Valparaiso Website]

Valparaiso’s roster also features Fort Wayne native, Matt Stucky a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School. Stucky, a freshman, was a three-year letter winner, an Honorable Mention All-Summit Athletic Conference selection and a member of National Honor Society in addition to several other awards.

Matt Stucky is the son of Lynn and Carol Stucky. He appears on page 13 of Valparaiso’s Baseball Media Guide.

(Note: Woodson [above] and Stucky [below] photos were blatantly lifted from Valparaiso’s website.)

Related Articles: Wizards Website | Valparaiso Website

[tags]Fort Wayne, Wizards, Valparaiso, exhibition game[/tags]