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28 CAVALIER CORNER On Jan. 27, more than 300 baseball alumni, donors and fans came together for a complimentary virtual celebration to benefit Virginia Baseball. This event was held in lieu of the traditional Step Up to the Plate event. Dr. Joel Jenkins, the team's chaplain, opened the eve- ning with a heartfelt invocation, followed by head coach Brian O'Connor, who shared remarks about the 2021 College World Series run, 2021 fall ball and 2022 sea- son insights. Coach O'Connor then introduced the 2022 team and Jake Gelof, Matt Wyatt and Dylan Bowers gave remarks on the team's behalf. Assistant coaches and support staff were also introduced and a highlight video showcased the team's exciting 2021 accomplishments. A special presentation of the inaugural Iron Cavalier Courage Award, which recognizes a Virginia Baseball alumnus who in the face of adversity has exempli- fied courage and honor, was led by baseball alumnus Robby Robinson (Col '97) as the program begins a new tradition. Robinson provided special tributes for his former teammate and award recipient, John Gal- loway (Col '97), also known as "G-way." In 1996, Galloway had 80 hits, a season record at the time that lasted over a decade. That same season he also went 10-for-22 against Florida State and ranks in the top ten all-time in triples and runs scored. While Galloway presented courage and determination during his collegiate career, he showed exceptional courage once again battling stage 3 colon cancer in December 2013 and again when it returned in February 2021. "G-way's courage he is showing right now is humbling to me, his teammates that I know who are on the call right now and his family members," Robinson shared. "All of you guys that have played, and the 2022 players who are getting ready to go into battle in your season, we are all looking up to a guy like John Galloway who is putting on the battle of his life." Galloway shared appreciation for the special honor and provided inspiring motivation for everyone in attendance. The 2021 and 2022 Hall of Fame inductees were celebrated with video highlights before providing remarks and thanking those who contributed to their career achievements. These recipients are very deserving to be welcomed into an impressive group of Virginia Baseball Hall of Famers. 2021: OF Steve Bryant (1968–70), LHP Nathan Kirby (2013–15), RHP Branden Kline (2010–12), OF/1B Mike Papi (2012–14), RHP Josh Sborz (2013–15) and LHP Brandon Waddell (2013–15) 2022: RHP Connor Jones (2014–16) and catcher Matt Thaiss (2014–16) & VAF NEWS NOTABLES Virginia Baseball Hall Of Fame Ceremony And Meet The Team ABOVE: OF Steve Bryant (1968–70) NEAR RIGHT: RHP Connor Jones (2014–16) FAR RIGHT: RHP Branden Kline (2010–12) BELOW LEFT: OF/1B Mike Papi (2012–14) BELOW RIGHT: Catcher Matt Thaiss (2014–16) RHP Josh Sborz (2013–15) receiving the MVP trophy NEAR RIGHT: LHP Nathan Kirby (2013–15) FAR RIGHT: LHP Brandon Waddell (2013–15) All photos courtesy UVA