DeLand, Fla. — Stetson Baseball will officially kick off the 2026 season with one of its most anticipated annual traditions, as the Dick Westervelt First Pitch Banquet and VIP Meet & Greet returns on Friday, February 6, at Northwest Square in DeLand.
Long recognized as the unofficial start of a new Hatter baseball season, the First Pitch Banquet has been elevated for 2026 with a star-studded lineup headlined by keynote speaker Dwight "Doc" Gooden. The evening will also feature a special appearance by Jeremy Peña, the 2025 MLB All-Star and 2023 World Series MVP, giving attendees a unique opportunity to hear from and interact with two of the game's most accomplished figures.
The event will celebrate Stetson Baseball's 2025 championship season while offering fans, alumni and supporters a preview of what lies ahead in 2026. Guests will receive program updates, season insights and "hot stove" news, including details surrounding Stetson Athletics' recent decision to opt in to revenue sharing.
A limited VIP Meet & Greet experience will be held prior to the banquet, providing exclusive access to Gooden, Peña and other distinguished guests. VIP tickets include preferred banquet seating, dinner, a full bar and hors d'oeuvres during the private hour.
Standard banquet tickets are also available and include dinner and seating for the evening's program.
Fans can register and find additional event details by clicking HERE
For further information or assistance with registration, please contact Nick Restaino at nrestaino@stetson.edu.
The Dick Westervelt First Pitch Banquet promises to be a special night celebrating Hatter Baseball while setting the tone for an exciting 2026 season.
Go Hatters!
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
