USF Night at Oracle Park Attracts Sold-Out Crowd

While the spectacular night out at the ballpark was enjoyed by all, the annual event represents more than one game. From the Katharine Feeney Memorial Scholarship Fund for benefiting female students in sport management, to the numerous graduates of the USF Master in Sport Management program who work for the Giants — including Alyssa Nakken MA ’15, the first female full-time assistant coach in Major League Baseball history and the 41 Dons who helped propel the Giants to their most recent title — the two organizations have synergy that powers them to success on and off the field.

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The University of San Francisco Spirit Squad and Don Francisco greeted arrivals to Oracle Park on the stadium’s plaza as USF attendees received stylish knit hats with joint USF-Giants branding.

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The squad and Don moved to the infield for a stadium performance before a familiar face in President Fr. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J. threw out the first pitch — a strike right down the middle. Recent graduate Isabella Mia Flores ’23 then wowed the crowd with her rendition of the national anthem.

The entire USF baseball team was in attendance with three current players giving the command to “play ball!” As the Giants and Mets took the field, countless smiles spread across the sold-out USF-designated seats. University Chancellor John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J. served as a ‘ball dude’ on the edge of the infield as the game unfolded, and the USF Dance Team tossed t-shirts to the animated student section between innings.

“This event is so much fun for the USF community,” said Taryn Moore ’06, MA ’08, senior director of alumni engagement at USF. “Over the last nine years, it has strengthened the partnership between our school — the only Division I school in San Francisco, with a proud championship history at the NCAA level — and the Giants, a championship organization in the pros. We share more than the same city, with many USF graduates going on to work for the Giants in various capacities. I loved seeing so many people here, cheering on the Giants and showing their Dons pride. I can’t wait to see how this partnership will continue to grow and benefit both organizations in the future.”
 
Greg Guinasso MS ’23 is an alumnus of USF’s Master in Sport Management program who has gone on to a career with the Giants as a marketing coordinator for promotions and special events. He credits his time at USF with aiding him in networking and finding hands-on opportunities that set him up for success in his current role.

Guinasso said, “We’re excited to celebrate the university's impact on the Bay Area. It's an evening for fans to come together and show their Giants and USF pride. Special events like these not only enhance our relationship with the university but also demonstrate our commitment to uplift our community.”

You can support the Sport Management program, Men’s Baseball, and other USF programs.