Marietta College boy's baseball team cheering in the dugout. Photo Provided

The community is invited to attend Marietta College’s annual Community Days series of events focused on the Pioneer softball and baseball teams April 16, 17, 18 and 25.

The first event, slated from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at 215 Fifth St., is hosted by the Pioneer Activities Council to feature ballpark-style food, yard games, wiffle ball and more for the college’s staff and students.

The Pizza and Pios event is scheduled from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday at The Original Pizza Place. Pioneer baseball and softball team members will be present to sign autographs and meet the community while enjoying a slice of pizza.

Softball Community Day will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Jeanne Arbuckle Field with gates opening at noon. Admission is free for the game against Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets.

According to a release from Marietta College, first-time attendees will receive college memorabilia.

Baseball Community Day is slated for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Don and Sue Schaly Field at Pioneer Park. Gates for the doubleheader against the Capital Comets open at noon with admission free to the public.

There will be games, activities, giveaways, and complimentary food and drinks at the event.

“Community Day acts as the culminating academic program for graduating seniors in the Sport Management Program,” said Rick Smith, associate professor of sport management. “Alumni frequently ask about it and pinpoint this event as one of their landmark experiences and best academic memories.”

In the release, Addison Heath, a Marietta College junior and softball player, said the Community Day events are a great opportunity to connect with the community by meeting up-and-coming student athletes in the area.

The Community Day events are planned each year by the Sport Management Program, according to the release.

In conjunction with the Community Day events, the college will also dedicate the recently renovated softball complex as the Jeanne Arbuckle Field at 12:15 p.m. Saturday before the Softball Community Day event.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is in partnership with the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, according to a release from the college.

“Jeanne was truly a pioneering softball coach and a beacon for women’s athletics,” said Athletic Director Larry Hiser. “Much of what she accomplished were ‘firsts’ for Marietta women’s sports; she built the program’s foundation on which our women stand today.”

Hall of Fame Coach Arbuckle led the softball program from 1988-2018 with more than 570 career victories, an appearance at the 1996 Ohio Athletic Conference Championship and made the first appearance at the NCAA Division III Tournament, according to the release.

Arbuckle was the third coach in OAC history to obtain 500 career victories in 2015 and mentored 76 All-OAC student athletes during her tenure.

“Jeanne Arbuckle Field is a testament to her whole persona. She was respected by faculty and administrative colleagues for her integrity, supportive guidance, and wisdom, and was a trusted advisor to all kinds of students-male or female, athlete or non-athlete,” said HIser. “She provided hope and inspiration by showing students there was a way forward, even when they didn’t believe it themselves.”

The renovated softball complex includes new fencing, expanded bullpens, a new scoreboard, upgraded playing surfaces and raised spectator seating.

According to the release, the softball complex upgrades were made possible through investments from Joe and Linda Chlapaty.

To learn more about Community Day events, contact Rick Smith at rcs003@marietta.edu

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com