'Pack the Park' Fans Celebrate College Centennial With Ninth-Inning Heroics

Published 07.22.2014

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Before a "Pack the Park" audience of 1,914 – appropriate attendance for a Penn College Centennial event – the Williamsport Crosscutters delivered a walk-off 6-5 win over the Batavia Muckdogs on Tuesday night. Fans arriving at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field were greeted by college employees at several display tables, and those wearing Penn College, Williamsport Area Community College or Williamsport Technical Institute clothing were eligible to win a variety of raffle prizes. Alumnus Nicholas D. Biddle (’07, graphic design) sang the national anthem and Allen “Sonny” Yearick (’46, machining), the first Little League alumnus to play professional baseball, threw out the first pitch.

– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday


Admissions representative Sarah R. Shott (also a Penn College alumna) grabs a selfie with Boomer, the team mascot.

Admissions representative Sarah R. Shott (also a Penn College alumna) grabs a selfie with Boomer, the team mascot.

Clad in WACC T-shirts that don't disguise their youth are Penn College alumni Timothy D. Haldeman, ('11, manufacturing engineering technology) and fiancee Whitnie-rae Mays, who holds an associate degree in advertising art and plans to graduate in December with a bachelor's in applied technology studies.

Clad in WACC T-shirts that don't disguise their youth are Penn College alumni Timothy D. Haldeman, ('11, manufacturing engineering technology) and fiancee Whitnie-Rae Mays, who holds an associate degree in advertising art and plans to graduate in December with a bachelor's in applied technology studies.

While Gabe Sinicropi, the Crosscutters' vice president of marketing and public relations, works the crowd, graphic design student Morgan N. Keyser, of Cogan Station, awaits the balloon launch and players warm up before Penn College's Centennial-themed panel on the outfield fence.

While Gabe Sinicropi, the Crosscutters' vice president of marketing and public relations, works the crowd, graphic design student Morgan N. Keyser, of Cogan Station, awaits the balloon launch and players warm up before Penn College's Centennial-themed panel on the outfield fence.

One hundred balloons, launched by four students during pregame festivities, catch a scant breeze over the stadium.

One hundred balloons, launched by four students during pregame festivities, catch a scant breeze over the stadium.

Allen “Sonny” Yearick throws out the ceremonial first pitch – a strike.

Allen “Sonny” Yearick throws out the ceremonial first pitch – a strike.

Bridging the generations (and bonding over baseball) are horticulture instructor Carl. J. Bower Jr. and his predecessor, Richard J. Weilminster, a Master Teacher who retired in 2006 after 34 years of landscape/nursery education.

Bridging the generations (and bonding over baseball) are horticulture instructor Carl. J. Bower Jr. and his predecessor, Richard J. Weilminster, a Master Teacher who retired in 2006 after 34 years of landscape/nursery education.

Enjoying family time at the ballpark are Tammy M. Rich, director of alumni relations, and daughter Ashley.

Enjoying family time at the ballpark are Tammy M. Rich, director of alumni relations, and daughter Ashley.

The scoreboard pays tribute to alumni of Penn College ...

The scoreboard pays tribute to alumni of Penn College ...

... and its predecessor institutions ...

... and its predecessor institutions ...

Erin S. Shultz, coordinator of career development, puts on her

Erin S. Shultz, coordinator of career development, puts on her "game face" after donning a steamy sumo suit for a two-fall bout between innings.

Batting 4-for-4 in Penn College attire are members of the Twardowski family: from left, Jan, cashier/customer service associate in The College Store; sons, Jake and Jonathan; and John.

Batting 4-for-4 in Penn College attire are members of the Twardowski family: from left, Jan, cashier/customer service associate in The College Store; sons, Jake and Jonathan; and John.

... and to its current students and employees.

... and to its current students and employees.

A proud alumnus shares his vocal talent with appreciative spectators.

A proud alumnus shares his vocal talent with appreciative spectators.

College President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomes the 'cutters crowd and invites the public to upcoming Centennial events on campus, including October's Open House and Homecoming.

College President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomes the 'cutters crowd and invites the public to upcoming Centennial events on campus, including October's Open House and Homecoming.

Sharing their Penn College Pride (from left), Joseph J. Balduino, director of recruitment, and admissions representatives Sean M. Stout and Sarah R. Shott staff an information table.

Sharing their Penn College Pride (from left), Joseph J. Balduino, director of recruitment, and admissions representatives Sean M. Stout and Sarah R. Shott staff an information table.

The president talks with Yearick (right), a WTI grad and former Boston Brave, and his friend, Bill Witmer, who played minor-league baseball for a number of clubs from 1950-55 – including the Williamsport Grays.

The president talks with Yearick (right), a WTI grad and former Boston Brave, and his friend, Bill Witmer, who played minor-league baseball for a number of clubs from 1950-55 – including the Williamsport Grays.