University of Houston Athletics
Houston Dedicates Don Sanders Field
2/9/2019 6:28:00 PM | Baseball
Special ceremony commemorates field naming during Fan Appreciation Day
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston Baseball program officially dedicated the field at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park as Don Sanders Field on Saturday as part of its Fan Appreciation Day & Baseball Alumni Reunion.
During a special on-field ceremony, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Texas Senator John Whitmire each addressed the crowd before guests and fans alike turned their attention to the Sanders-Gutierrez Scoreboard in right-center for a video message from MLB legend and Sanders' longtime friend and business associate Nolan Ryan.
Afterwards, the name Don Sanders Field was unveiled on the center field batter's eye and Head Coach Todd Whitting talked about Sanders' impact on the Houston Baseball program before presenting him with a commemorative frame for the occasion.
Sanders closed the ceremony thanking fans and his guests in attendance.
Announced back on Sept. 5, Sanders gave a generous donation towards the completion of the Baseball Player Development Center and Clubhouse down the left-field line.
Prior to the ceremony, Houston welcomed back former players during its Baseball Alumni Reunion. Alums had the opportunity to take part in batting practice on the field and were given a tour of the facility before watching on with fans as Houston split into two teams for a seven-inning scrimmage to close out the day's festivities.
ABOUT DON SANDERS
Don Sanders, founder and chairman of Sanders Morris Harris, leads one of the most successful wealth management firms in the United States. A native of Mexia, Texas, Sanders graduated from Mexia High School and went on to receive degrees from Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas at Austin.
In 1959, Sanders joined E.F. Hutton & Co., which was among the nation's largest securities firms. He was ultimately named the company's executive vice president and a member of the board of directors before leaving in 1987 to form Sanders Morris Harris.
Sanders became a minority owner of the Houston Astros in 1979. Twenty years later, he teamed with the Ryan family to create Ryan Sanders Baseball, which currently owns the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express, and Ryan Sanders Sports Services.
Sanders is a long-time friend and supporter of the Houston Baseball program. In 2015, he and Joe Gutierrez gave lead donations for Houston's state-of-the-art video board, which bears both their names. At the time of its installation, it was the largest in the nation, and according to Daktronics, the board still showcases the second-largest video display in all of college baseball.
In 2017, Houston and Sam Houston State began an annual three-game series in which both teams play for the Don Sanders Cup named in appreciation of Sanders' generosity to both programs.
In September 2018, Sanders gave a generous gift towards the completion of the $6-million Baseball Player Development Center and Clubhouse.
ON DECK
The 2019 season gets underway Friday, as the Cougars host Northwestern State in a three-game series at Don Sanders Field at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park. Houston will host the Demons in a pair of 6:30 p.m. tilts on Friday and Saturday before closing the series at 1 p.m., Sunday.
PARKING IN 2019
Gameday parking will be offered in a different capacity than in prior years. Anyone entering Lot 16B (across the street from right field) will be subjected to paying a third party company employed by campus. This lot will no longer be an option for free parking on gamedays. All other lots surrounding the stadium will be free of charge two hours prior to first pitch.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Baseball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarBB, and "Like" UHCougarBB on Facebook.
JOIN DUGOUT CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Baseball program by joining the Dugout Club. To find out more information about the Dugout Club, visit UHCougarPride.com or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH.
