University of Delaware Athletics
Head Coach Jim Sherman and Delaware Baseball Honors Three Alumni During Weekend Golf Outing and Football Tailgate
10/19/2011 1:35:00 PM | Baseball
NEWARK, Del -- Parents and Family Football weekend also plays host to the University of Delaware baseball annual golf outing and tailgate and head coach Jim Sherman honored three past Blue Hens on Saturday prior to the football game against Massachusetts.
During the tailgate, three members of the UD career 200-Hit Club, Chris Kolodzey, Todd Davison, and Bryan Hagerich were recognized for their outstanding achievements in a Blue Hen uniform.
Each alumnus was given an engraved bat and a chance to speak before more than 150 friends, family, alumni, and the current roster.
Kolodzey (1998-2001) was a four-year letterwinner under former longtime head coach Bob Hannah and Sherman. He is only one of two players all-time to win a conference championship and advance to play in the NCAA Tournament in all four years as a Blue Hen. He holds the record with three other players for playing the most games in a single season, seeing time in all 60 during his senior season of 2001. His 76 hits in 2001 are the fourth most for a single season in program history. Kolodzey knocked in 70 runs as a junior, placing him sixth all-time for a single season. He also hit eight triples that year, the eighth most for a single year.
The Cherry Hill, N.J. native is 18th all time, finishing with 232 career hits. He was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 25th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft and played two professional seasons. He batted .240 in 131 games. Kolodzey retired from baseball in January 2003 with 93 hits, 45 runs scored, 43 RBI, 23 doubles and seven home runs.
“It means the world to me,” Kolodzey said. “You get to see a lot of your old teammates and every year I'm going to see guys that are getting honored. I had the privilege of playing with some of the greatest players in the history of this program. It means a lot to see all the old guys you might lose touch with. It means a lot to come back.”
Davison (2003-06) was a four-year letterwinner, playing every game since he stepped foot on campus for head coach Jim Sherman. He played in a program record 222 consecutive games, also an all-time record in games played. Davison finished his career as a Blue Hen third in career hits (279), behind only Scott Waibel '80 (303) and Andy Donatelli '85 (294). He is also third in career doubles, sixth in career total bases, and tied in seventh for career runs scored. Davison's 25 doubles as a senior is the sixth most for a single season in UD history.
The Somers Point, N.J. native was a 19th round selection of the Baltimore Orioles in the 2006 MLB Draft and played four seasons of professional baseball. After being drafted by the Orioles, Davison went on to play three seasons for Baltimore's low A, A and high A teams. After the 2008 season, Davison went on to play for the Bridgeport Bluefish of the independent Atlantic League. In four professional seasons, he hit .245 and finished with 208 hits, 111 runs, 80 RBI, and 22 stolen bases in 279 career games.
“Its been a pleasure since I signed to come here as a freshman,” Davison said of being recognized. “This program is on the right pace and today was a special moment for me and my family.”
Hagerich (2004-2007) was a four-year letterwinner, starting all four seasons in the outfield for Sherman. He tied a school record with three home runs in a single game, conquering the feat on March 21, 2006, in a 16-8 UD victory over Towson. Hagerich holds the all-time program record with 16 sacrifice flies in his career. He is second behind Davison for most career games played (219), holding the record among outfielders.
The Somerset, N.J. native has hit the second most home runs (47) in UD history in the third most career at-bats. He accumulated 467 total bases, also ranking him third all-time. His 172 career RBI ranks eighth in Blue Hen history and he is a member of the 200-Hit Club, finishing his career with 234. Hagerich has the seventh and the 10th most home runs in a single season, hitting 17 as a senior and 16 the year before. The Florida Marlins selected him in the 26th round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
“Its very special to be honored by the program, and by a university with such a rich history,” Hagerich said of entire weekend. “Its very exciting and I'm very thankful for the coaches and the staff while I was here. I couldn't do it without the people around me, especially my family.”
The current Blue Hen squad will play its fall exhibition game against Wilmington (Del.) University on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Bob Hannah Stadium starting at 3 p.m.
