With highs in the upper-70s and abundant sunshine, Saturday was a great day for a baseball game. Here on campus, we were lucky, we had two. The baseball team played a doubleheader against Gettysburg, winning the first game 13-1 and falling to the Bullets in a second closer game, 1-3. But the highlight of the day at the ball field actually happened before any balls touched bats.
Prior to the games, the newly renovated baseball facility was renamed Kannerstein Field in honor of the late Greg Kannerstein ’63, an alumnus whose 41 years of service to Haverford earned him both the nickname “Mr. Haverford” and the friendship of many generations of Haverford community members.
After his graduation, Kannerstein returned to the College in 1968 as the assistant dean of students, but was especially connected to Athletics (and baseball in particular) as his numerous roles in the College included a five-year stint as the JV baseball coach, a 15-year run as head baseball coach and more than 20 years as director of athletics. In 2005, he was named Dean of the College, a position he held until his death in 2009.
Many alums whose lives were touched by Kannerstein were on hand for the dedication ceremony, which featured remarks from Interim President Joanne V. Creighton, Mark Naples ’84 and assistant baseball coach Kevin Morgan. Director of Athletics Wendy Smith ’87 unveiled the dedication plaque that will adorn the side of the press box behind home plate.
Kannerstein’s family—wife Elissa Sklaroff, stepdaughter Sara Sklaroff Carey, her husband Kevin Carey and their daughter Edie Carey—was also on hand to hear Greg honored on Saturday. After the introductory remarks, with assistance from Jerry Miraglia ’80 and Bill Belt ’80, Edie threw out the ceremonial first pitch, closing out the dedication.
Photos by Joan Kanes.
For more on the day’s events, read Athletics story here.