Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/59355
2012 FURMAN UNIVERSITY p BASEBALL W hen Ron Smith took over the Furman University baseball program in 1994, he took on the challenge of not only reviving the school's on-the-field fortunes but also the underlying tools that make such an effort possible. From facility construction, upgrades, and expansions, to scholarships and operat- ing budget enhancements, Smith has spearheaded significant improvements, all of which have helped position Furman baseball as a solid competitor in the Southern Conference. And helping fuel the wave of positive changes for Paladins baseball has been Smith's brainchild, The Upstate Diamond Classic, an annual preseason fund- raising dinner that has enjoyed tremendous popularity since its inception in 1995. In January 2004, Furman, teaming with several area businesses, attracted over 700 fans, program supporters, and community leaders to Greenville's Hyatt-Regency to hear an address by highly acclaimed novelist and baseball fan John Grisham. The 2008 event matched that draw when former Atlanta Braves Cy Young Award winning pitcher John Smoltz delivered a powerful message in front of a full house. This year's Furman Upstate Diamond Classic, sponsored by the Greenville Drive Baseball Club, the city's Single A South Atlantic League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, took place on Feb. 8 at Greenville's TD Convention Center with a draw of well over 500 fans to hear an entertaining speech by veteran Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame voice Marty Brennaman. In addition to Grisham, Smoltz, and Brennaman, the Upstate Diamond Classic has featured many other dignitaries, including former major league standouts Tommy John, Brett Butler, Bobby Thompson, Bobby Richardson, Alvin Dark, 2005 Hall-of-Fame inductee Phil Niekro, as well as Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, former Atlanta Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone, and former Braves announcers Pete Van Wieren and Skip Carey, as well as former NFL head coach and Furman alumnus Sam Wyche and the PGA Tour's Jay Haas. In 2007 current major leaguer Jeff Francoeur headlined the event. Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz was the guest speaker at the 2008 Upstate Diamond Classic. UPSTATE DIAMOND CLASSIC SPEAKERS Marty Brennaman ................................... Cincinnati Reds Brett Butler ......................................... Cleveland Indians Skip Carey ................................................ Atlanta Braves Alvin Dark ....................................... San Francisco Giants Jeff Francoeur........................................... Atlanta Braves Jay Haas ............................................................ PGA Tour Tommy John ........................................ New York Yankees Tommy Lasorda ...............................Los Angeles Dodgers Leo Mazzone ............................................ Atlanta Braves Phil Niekro ............................................... Atlanta Braves Bobby Richardson ............................... New York Yankees John Smoltz ............................................. Atlanta Braves Bobby Thompson ...................................New York Giants Pete Van Wieren ....................................... Atlanta Braves Sam Wyche ........................................ Cincinnati Bengals Upstate Diamond Classic Cincinnati Reds play-by-play Hall of Famer Marty Brennaman (left) with Furman senior pitcher Kevin Gottlieb and Paladin head coach Ron Smith at the 2012 Furman Upstate Diamond Classic. 12