July 13, 2007
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Commodore Notebook
by Rod Williamson
The Price Was Right
Just how good was David Price in the eyes of regional and national experts? In case you became dizzy with the non-stop announcement of the Commodores’ post-season accolades, here is a recap:
No. 1 pick in the Major League draft (Tampa Bay)
Consensus first-team All-America pitcher
Collegiate Baseball “Co-National Player of the Year”
Baseball America “Player of the Year”
Southeastern Conference Male Athlete of the Year
SEC “Pitcher of the Year”
Dick Howser Award (nation’s top player voted by college baseball writers)
Golden Spikes Award (nation’s top player sponsored by Major League Baseball)
Brooks Wallace Award (nation’s top player voted by all coaches, college hall of fame members and collegiate sports information directors)
Roger Clemens Award (nation’s top pitcher)
This list won’t attempt to list all the national and SEC “Pitcher of the Week” awards the left-handed flame-thrower harvested in just three years.
Suffice to say, as Vanderbilt’s first men’s national “Player of the Year” in any sport, the Murfreesboro product exits as the most prolific pitcher and honored baseball player in SEC history. Fan can look back at his outstanding year by visiting Price Central.
Football Ticket Sales Strong
Vanderbilt’s marketing team reports that season ticket sales have passed the 10,000 mark already, the earliest that target has been hit in many years (Season tickets start at $99). By the way, ticket revenue for all sports exceeded budget goals by a half-million bucks in 2006-07. That was due to successful teams and good marketing strategies but lest you think we are now knee-deep in money around here, keep in mind Commodore athletics – like nearly every other program in the nation – annually operates under deficit conditions with a healthy stipend from the University. Successful athletics programs are an expensive enterprise.
Academics Aces its Exam
A long-standing athletic department goal was quietly reached after Maymester grades were tallied. The cumulative grade point average for all varsity student-athletes passed the 3.00 objective. Nearly 325 Commodores averaged 3.04 for the entire year – a remarkable achievement considering the demanding classrooms and our superlative athletic accomplishments.
NCC Nearly Hits $3 Million
More good news: Jeff Ulmer, our chief development officer, reports that the National Commodore Club – our important annual fund – passed its goal by several hundred thousand dollars and ended the year just shy of $3 million. These vital dollars fund our scholarship program.
Women’s Golf Lands Proven Winner
I trust you noticed that we have attracted one of the nation’s premier women’s golf coaches recently. Greg Allen left Arizona after seven highly successful years to come here, replacing Martha Richards. Allen has recruited and coached some of women’s golf’s top collegiate and touring professionals. His decision to come is considered quite a coup in golf circles.
Watch that Richmond Game
At first blush, the season opening football game with the Richmond Spiders may not be one that captures your attention. But with our promotions staff going full speed on a “Nashville Night” there will be something fun for just about everyone. With a $12 game ticket and a long list of promotional plans that will soon be unveiled, this is the time to bring those friends and neighbors that you can help us convert into Commodores.
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