COBE community enjoys a day at the ballpark

Business and baseball came together April 8 at Dedmon Center Park at the College of Business and Economics' second annual COBE Day at the Ballpark.

More than 100 COBE majors and faculty tailgated and then watched the Highlanders open a three-game series with Coastal Carolina. Among the highlights of the festive day at the ballpark were Dean George Low’s ceremonial first pitch and the presentation of the National Anthem by COBE junior Laura Turner, an accounting and finance major.

Sponsored by the COBE Dean’s Office and the COBE Ambassadors, with assistance from the Alumni Office, the day included a particularly-appropriate COBE blanket giveaway and a picnic spread.

As many baseball players are business majors, the connection between COBE and the baseball team is strong, said Professor of Accounting and Finance Steve Beach.

"Baseball players are among our best students," Beach said. "Their drive and determination carries over into the classroom and it is a pleasure to support them."

Dillon Shelton, a junior management major who moonlights as the PA Voice of the Highlanders was glad to see so many of his classmates.  “It is a great way to build camaraderie in the college,” Shelton said.

Montana Crawford, a junior business minor, said she was not a die-hard baseball fan, but that there was more than baseball at the ballpark or Highlanders sports events.

“I come to games regularly for the atmosphere,” she said.  “Radford sports events are fun, and I see my friends.”

Associate Professor of Marketing Gary Schirr pointed out a synergy between baseball and business.

“The partnership we celebrate today is fitting. Baseball is the most strategic and analytical of all sports,” Shirr said.