BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Save the date for the Sixth Annual First Pitch Celebration on Jan. 24, 2026. Since its inception, this event to kick off the baseball season has grown in attendance and become a must-attend tradition for Runnin' Bulldogs fans. This year promises to be an exciting evening featuring guest speaker and former Gardner-Webb alumnus Mason Miller, whose No. 17 jersey will be retired during the celebration.

"The First Pitch Celebration has turned into a 'can't-miss' event!" emphasized Head Baseball Coach Jim Chester. "Mason Miller has become one of, if not the most, electrifying arms in Major League Baseball (MLB). His success comes as no surprise to those who know him. His work ethic, attention to detail, desire to be the best, and God-first approach have given him the opportunity every young man who puts on a baseball uniform strives for! His time as a Runnin' Bulldog was special. Retiring No. 17 was a no-brainer and gives our program the opportunity to showcase Mason and his success for years to come!"

Miller, a 2021 Gardner-Webb graduate, now anchors the San Diego Padres bullpen and has earned a reputation as one of MLB's most dominant relief pitchers. While at GWU, Miller earned first-team All-Big South Conference honors in 2021 after going 8-1 with a 3.30 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 92.2 innings pitched. He led the Big South and ranked No. 21 nationally with his strikeout total—which ranked second in program history for a single season.

"I'm extremely humbled that the University and the team thought it appropriate to retire my number," Miller acknowledged. "I was simply grateful for the opportunity to compete and better myself both athletically and intellectually in 2020-2021. I'm fortunate that I'm able to reflect on my brief time at GWU with pride. The gesture of my jersey retirement shows that GWU shares that same pride in me."

During his speech, Miller plans to express his gratitude to Gardner-Webb, his coaches and teammates, and most importantly, God. He said he will also share a few stories that he believes were pivotal along his journey, and he will relate how his values have contributed to his success.

Before joining the Padres, Miller made a name for himself with the Oakland A's. In 2024, he transitioned from starter to closer and had a breakout season, setting an A's rookie record with 28 saves. He struck out 104 batters in 65 innings, posted a 2.49 ERA, and earned a spot on the American League All-Star team. His blazing fastball—often topping 100 mph—made him one of the most dominant relievers in the league, and he collected multiple rookie honors for his performance.

After being traded to the Padres in 2025, Miller continued to shine. He appeared in 60 games and struck out 104 batters in just over 61 innings. His fastball reached a staggering 104.5 mph in the postseason—the fastest pitch ever recorded in playoff history. In his first two playoff appearances, he struck out the first eight batters he faced, setting a new MLB record. Since joining San Diego, he's been nearly unhittable, helping anchor one of the league's best bullpens.

The celebration, sponsored by Coldwell Banker and Mountain View Real Estate, will also feature dinner, a silent auction, and introductions of the 2026 Division I baseball roster, coaching staff, and support team.

 

Tickets:

·      $60 per person

·      $450 for a table of eight

·      $600 for a table of eight plus table sponsorship

·      $200 for a table sponsorship (includes one ticket)

·      $100 to sponsor a player

Purchase tickets here.

 

Proceeds benefit the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs Baseball Program.

 

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

 

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina's recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.