Lincoln College Hosts Alumni Baseball Reunion
Alumni from Across the U.S. Reconnect for Events at Lincoln College

[September 30, 2019] 

A special Lincoln College Alumni Baseball Reunion took place Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22. More than fifty alumni returned to campus from across the United States. Attendees included former players, as well as previous coaches. Head Lynx Baseball Coach of 27 years, Tony Thomas, alongside his wife, Bridgett Thomas, hosted the weekend events. Bridgett is the current Lincoln College Dean of Students.

Coach Thomas was delighted to welcome back Dave Thill, class of 1961, who returned for the festivities 59 years after playing on the field as a Lincoln College Lynx. Thill said, “Returning to campus gave me an opportunity to think back to when I had played on the 1960 baseball team. I had a great time reminiscing with many of the players who have played for Lincoln College over the years. It was very much like a homecoming.”

Guests enjoyed a Friday evening social, campus tours, and a banquet dinner provided by Lincoln College. In addition, alumni participated in a whiffle ball game in the Lincoln Center, playing alongside the current Lincoln College Lynx Baseball Team. Former players spent some time on the baseball field playing catch and participating in batting practice as well.

At the Saturday evening banquet, Coach Thomas said to the audience of former players, “Having the opportunity to mold young student-athletes and seeing them succeed in life is what I’m proudest of. My favorite memories include being with my players on-and-off the field, developing lifelong friendships, and watching my son, Ryan, take the field as a Lynx for the first time wearing jersey #17.” Jersey #17 was formerly held by player and alum Gary Ryan, who passed away in 2002 from cancer.

Lincoln College 2003 alum, Andrew Bartman, said of the event, “It was a pleasure to return to my hometown and alma mater for the Lincoln College Baseball Reunion. Being able to share my story and acknowledge coaches Tony Thomas and John Stoltzenburg who set me on a path towards my career in baseball was an honor. Lincoln College was a special place for myself and my teammates, as evidenced by how many of them came to campus for the reunion. It was also very exciting to see the new path Lincoln College is on as a four-year institution and NAIA member school. There is a great amount of energy surrounding the athletics department on campus right now.”

Andrew Bartman served as Lincoln College Assistant Baseball Coach from 2010-2011 and now holds the title of Director of Coaching Development for USA Baseball in Durham, North Carolina.

“Without my former and current players, I would not be the coach or person I am today. Once a Lynx, always a Lynx” concluded Coach Thomas.

[Lauren Grenlund
Director of Public Relations
Lincoln College]