Woodward, Okla. — Legendary Woodward Traveler coach Bob Ward and many of his former players were introduced and recognized in pre-game ceremonies at the new Fuller Park on Tuesday.
Along with an open house and the dedication ceremonies, the 2010 Travelers knighted their new digs with an 18-8 win over the Oklahoma Baseball Academy, coached by former Traveler player Damon Minor, a member of OU's 1994 national championship team and a Major Leaguer with the San Franciso Giants for a number of years.
Nineteen different players appeared for the Travelers who improved to 6-0. Fourteen of them had at least one hit.
Kevin Hajny pitched 4.2 innings for his second victory of the season. Austin Beisel, Chris Faulkner and Jake Barrios all threw in relief.
The Travelers collected 6 extra base hits including Braden Todd's first homer of the year. Cody McElroy had a double and triple, Jacoby Smith a triple and Zach Warner and Aaron McCandless doubles.
McElroy drove in 4 runs, Beisel 3 and Faulker and Julian 2 each. Faulkner also scored 3 times.
The evening began with an open house, some tours, free admission and free food and drinks as the Travelers opened up the first true home field in 3 years.
Along with Ward, who coached the Travelers for over 35 years, won nearly 2,000 games and 2 state championships, a number of former players were on hand.
Currrent Traveler Manager Mike McDonald, Bryan Gore, Kevin Gore, Rhett Smith, Charles Goldston and Mark Ward were all members of the Travelers famed 86-win World Series team in 1985. Matt Oakes was among those on hand representing the 1998 state championship team.
Gregg Ward, Lee McLaurine and others who played professionally were also recognized.
Ceremonial first pitches were delivered by Ward and Woodward Mayor Bill Fanning.
The new Fuller Park is one of the center pieces of an ongoing $25 million renovation of the Crystal Beach Park facilities, which include a baseball 5-plex on one side fo the new Fuller Park and an Aquatics Center across the street as well as the renovated Crystal Beach Stadium.
Also upcoming are softball and soccer complexes.
The new Fuller Park will see plenty more action this week. Tonight, the Traveler Minors host Enid, and games are also schedueld throughout the weekend.
The Majors are on the road tonight with a 6 p.m. game at Mustang.
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