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2015 STEP UP TO THE PLATE The 2015 Step Up to the Plate event was held at the John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday, Jan. 24. This year's sold-out program raised a record $75,000+ in auction revenue and ticket sales. Channing Poole, WINA 1070 baseball radio announcer, emceed the evening which is now in its 13th year. Thomas Woodruff, current Virginia baseball student-athlete, spoke to what the program has meant to him and the positive impact his time with Virginia baseball has had on his collegiate experience. Coach Brian O'Connor addressed the crowd and thanked all who give of their time and energy as well as their financial support to Virginia baseball. He recapped how that support has helped lead the team to its historic 2014 season, in which the Virginia Cavaliers reached the finals of the College World Series for the first time in program history. He then introduced the current 2015 team and shared his goals for the season and future of the program. Dinner was followed by record-breaking live and silent auctions, which generated over $50,000. The evening concluded with a panel of three former Cavaliers and current MLB players: Kyle Crockett, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians; Phil Gosselin, second baseman for the Atlanta Braves; and Chris Taylor, shortstop for the Seattle Mariners. Poole hosted the panel of players who discussed how their time at Virginia paved the way for their professional careers. Thank you to everyone who supports the event and Virginia baseball. Left to right: Phil Gosselin, Chris Taylor and Kyle Crockett.