Husky spirit heads south for spring training

President Joseph E. Aoun and Jack Moynihan, MPA’93, vice president of Alumni Relations and The Northeastern Fund, joined the men’s baseball team last weekend on the field at JetBlue Park, the Red Sox new spring training stadium in Fort Myers, Fla.

Warm weather and bright skies provided the perfect backdrop for more than 750 Northeastern University alumni, family and friends last Saturday for the 9th annual Huskies vs. Red Sox Cookout and Spring Training Game at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Fla.

Huskies of all ages gathered for the event on the grounds of the Red Sox’ brand new spring training stadium to enjoy food, share stories, and show plenty of Husky spirit before catching the baseball team’s exhibition game against the Sox.

“This event just keeps getting better every year,” said Jack Moynihan, MPA’93, vice president of Alumni Relations and The Northeastern Fund. “It’s such a fantastic opportunity for all of us to get together and reconnect.”

President Joseph E. Aoun urged attendees to strengthen their connection to the university by remaining involved through alumni gatherings, events, and volunteer opportunities.

JetBlue President and CEO Dave Barger and Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino also welcomed attendees at the gathering, and baseball head coach Neil McPhee, BB’68, and senior catcher Tucker Roeder provided team updates about the 2012 Huskies.

Inside Park, fans encountered a spectacular replication of Fenway Park, right down to the unique Green Monster wall in left field. Prior to the start of the game, Edward M. Galante, BA’73 – who, with his wife, Cathie, established the Galante Engineering and MBA Program at Northeastern – threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

As fans sat back and took in the game, Moynihan was already looking ahead to 2013.

“We love hosting a gathering like this down here,” Moynihan said. “The Red Sox are a great partner, and the new park is a spectacular setting in which to celebrate Northeastern. Every year, alumni tell us how much of a tremendous experience this is, and we can’t wait to start planning and make it even better the following year.”