In honor of longtime Central teacher and baseball coach, Paul Gries, the EVSC, EVSC Foundation, and Paul Gries Field Campaign Committee will announce the kick off of the “Paul Gries Field†naming fundraiser before the Central High School boys’ varsity baseball game versus Mater Dei on Thursday, April 14, at 4 p.m. The game will take place at Central High School, 5400 N. First Ave., Evansville.
Ed Cole, also a longtime teacher at Central and chairman of the Paul Gries Field Committee, will be in attendance as well as former Central and Cardinals player, Andy Benes; EVSC Foundation President, Brian Hancock; Central High School Athletic Director, Andy Owen; Central High School Principal, Andrea Campbell; and former Central Bears players. A short ceremony kicking off the campaign will take place before the game and Gries will throw out the first pitch.
Gries was named Central High School’s baseball coach in 1981 and immediately began transforming the field into a showcase. Over the next 21 years, Gries tirelessly worked to transform the facility by raising money through Central’s Baseball Booster Club.
During the 20 years he coached, Gries recorded 408 wins and 196 losses, which included seven IHSAA Sectionals, two regionals, and one semi-state championship. The Bears were State runners-up in 1987. In addition he coached his players to win seven SIAC titles.
Gries also earned SIAC Coach of the Year in 1981, 1987 and 1998; North-South All-Star coach in 1987; and National Regional Coach of the Year in 2000. He was inducted in the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Proceeds from the Paul Gries Field Campaign will benefit improvements to the baseball field and naming of Paul Gries Field.
Donate online at www.evscfoundation.org/give-today or mail a donation to EVSC Foundation, ATTN Paul Gries Campaign, 951 Walnut Street, Evansville IN 47713. For questions, please contact the EVSC Office of Development at 812-435-0913 or giving@evsc.k12.in.us
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