MLB Top Draft Pick’s Donation Will Help Upgrade Tony Gwynn Stadium
SAN DIEGO – Stephen Strasburg, the national player of the year and first selection in the 2009 Major League Baseball draft by the Washington Nationals, has made a $141,000 contribution to San Diego State Athletics to benefit the baseball program.
Stephen Strasburg has donated $141,000 to SDSU baseball.
Strasburg’s commitment will allow SDSU to upgrade the surface of Tony Gwynn Stadium. New synthetic turf will replace the grass skirting from dugouts to baselines. In addition, the gift will aid the operation of the Aztec baseball program.
“SDSU baseball and the university have meant so much for my development” Strasburg said. “As a student-athlete, I knew that it takes more than just coaching and good players to be successful. From academic advisors to athletic trainers to the donors of the program – it takes all to make a successful program. I am proud to become part of the base of donors that want this program to succeed. As I have stated before, I am an Aztec for life.”
A two-time consensus All-American and conference pitcher of the year as well as an Olympic bronze medalist with the U.S. national team in Beijing, Strasburg ended his SDSU career in 2009 with a season for the ages. He compiled a 13-1 record with a 1.32 earned run average along with 195 strikeouts in 109 innings as he helped the Aztecs to a 41-23 record and their first NCAA Regional appearance since 1991. He finished the season as the national leader in strikeouts and ERA, setting school and conference game, season and career records in those categories.
He was named National Player of the Year by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball as well as National Pitcher of the Year by the College Baseball Foundation. He capped off his SDSU career by winning both the Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s top collegiate player.
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“Stephen was electric on the mound” said Head Coach Tony Gwynn. “Yet, we knew he was an even better kid. This gift reinforces our belief that for all of his baseball abilities, Stephen is an even better person.”
(Release)