A Night of Baseball and Community
More than three hundred spectators filled Veterans Memorial Park in Harrisonburg on a warm July evening, eager to watch the hometown Harrisonburg Turks take on the Waynesboro Generals. The game was part of the fourth annual EMU Night, a tradition that brings together Eastern Mennonite University students, alumni, faculty, staff and their families for a shared love of baseball.
Fans wearing EMU gear were rewarded with free admission and a chance to win EMU‑branded giveaways, while the university’s marketing and communications team handed out the promotional items. The atmosphere was festive, with families picnicking on the grass and alumni reconnecting over the familiar crack of the bat.
The ceremonial first pitch was delivered by Herm, who sported a Royals baseball jersey as a nod to his favorite team. His presence added a playful touch to the evening, underscoring the blend of university spirit and local sports culture that the event celebrates.
The Game on the Field
The Turks, members of the twelve‑team Valley Baseball League, faced the Generals in a competitive match that ended with a 9‑3 victory for Waynesboro. Although the hometown team fell short, the game provided plenty of excitement, highlighted by solid pitching and aggressive base running that kept the crowd engaged.
Adding a unique flair to the night, a T‑shirt cannon fired promotional shirts into the stands. The cannon was designed by engineering alumnus Adam Stoltzfus and christened the BaZOOKa in honor of alumni donors Ben Zook and Kayla Zook, whose contributions made the device possible.
Beyond the scoreboard, the event reinforced the strong ties between Eastern Mennonite University and the Harrisonburg community. Organizers hope that future EMU Nights will continue to blend athletic competition with charitable giving, creating memorable experiences for fans of all ages.