University of Alabama baseball coach speaks on move to Hoover Met

October 27, 2014 8:00 PM

Photos courtesy of Hoover Chamber of Commerce.

This spring, the crimson tide will roll into Hoover.

The University of Alabama recently announced it will play its 2015 home baseball games at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard was the speaker at the October Chamber of Commerce luncheon, which was sponsored by Saint Vincent’s Health System.

Gaspard is returning for his sixth year as the head baseball coach at the University of Alabama in 2015. In his first five years as the head coach of the Crimson Tide, Gaspard led the Tide to multiple back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances. He became the first coach in program history to lead his squad to a NCAA Super Regional finish in his first year. As an assistant coach at Alabama from 1995-2001, the Tide posted a 320-127 record, played in six NCAA Regionals and made three College World Series appearances.

Approximately 30 games will be played at The Met, and UA will pay the city $3,500 per game. Concession rights remain with the city. Any postseason play -NCAA regionals or super-regionals Alabama may host – will also be at The Met. Additionally, as already scheduled, the SEC Tournament will be at The Met from May 19-24.

The season-opening game at The Met will be against Maryland-Eastern Shore on Friday, Feb. 13. Nonconference games include games against Samford (March 16) and UAB (April 14). Weekend home series include games against Texas A&M, LSU, Georgia, Arkansas and Vanderbilt.

“All the guys are excited,” said Gaspard during the luncheon. “There are very successful kids on the team from around this area. We are truly going to be your home team and give you the best product and show out there that we can.”

The next Chamber luncheon will be on Nov. 20. Please make your reservations no later than Nov. 17 by calling 988-5672 or sending an email to lisa@hooverchamber.org. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting at noon. The luncheon is $20, or $22 at the door without prior reservations. Payment can be made by cash, check, or major credit card. Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon, but those who make reservations and simply do not attend will be invoiced, since a meal will have been ordered for them at their request. Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive.