Whack! The crisp sound of bat connecting with ball pierces the quiet spring afternoon, the aroma of freshly mowed grass fills the air, while numerous sunflower seeds pile up in the dugout. This can only mean one thing: baseball season is underway.

The JV and varsity baseball teams will kick off the ?08 season with the second annual fundraiser dinner in the Ground Zero Auditorium on campus, Feb. 23, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Come enjoy a delicious tri-tip dinner served with salad and pilaf for a donation of $25, and help support the baseball program.

Though the dinner is semi-formal (dress shirts, ties, and slacks, men), Bill McGowen, baseball director, says the evening will not be without a little fun.

?The night will feature a video spotlighting our elementary, JH, and HS baseball players and the exciting improvements occurring within the baseball program,? McGowen said. ?A lot of people are working hard behind the scenes to make this a memorable event. We?ll add some fun additions to this year?s dinner to make it lively and entertaining.?

The main purposes for the fundraiser include introducing new varsity head coach Rich Sorenson to the FC family and raise funds for facility improvements, but the evening will also feature many other activities.

“The coaches from the various levels will be introduced so parents can get to know them,” McGowen said. “Player expectation brochures detailing our philosophy will also be available.”

Tickets will be available from any FC high school or junior high baseball player, or the JH office, and all checks must be made payable to ?Fresno Christian Baseball?.

While only 150 people attended the event last year, McGowen expects the place to be packed this year. Seating is limited to just 230, so reserve your seat today, and help make the season a success.

?We want to pack the building this year,? McGowen said. ?Hope to see you all there!?

Those who are unable to attend the dinner can still support the team by buying banners or making personal donations to the program.