Cal Baseball Foundation

Golden Bear News & Notes 3 Plan for THe fuTure The financial challenges for Cal Athletics are not new to men's baseball, which continues to thrive despite the loss of campus funds. Since its reinstatement, the baseball program has met its financial obligations using a strategy that is viable for the long term. The Foundation is committed to implementing a strategic multi-year investment plan that maintains a viable men's baseball program and addresses the financial needs of the University. We intend to reach our target of $1.2 million in annual revenue by the end of the 2018 season, consistent with the rate of growth we have achieved over the past five years. Our focus is on increasing contributions to the Annual Fund/Bullpen Club, and continued growth in Gala sponsorships and game- day revenues. If successful, we will extend the current term endowment through FY2021-22 by which time we will complete the Endowment Campaign. In addition to increasing revenues, we are exploring ways to reduce program expenses. 20-Year Endowment Campaign for Cal Baseball The Foundation has launched the silent phase of our 20-year/$15 million Endowment Campaign and has received pledges in excess of $4 million. Since major donors understand that the University is again considering reducing the number of sports, we know it will be difficult to secure additional pledges until the decision is made to retain men's baseball. Therefore, while the Task Force deliberations are underway, we have issued an appeal for multi-year commitments to the Baseball Annual Fund. Funds collected by the Foundation will be transferred to the University on an annual basis upon the confirmation that men's baseball will continue to represent Cal as an intercollegiate sport. Game aTTendanCe Attendance at Evans Diamond has tripled since 2011. Cal Baseball offers the best fan experience in the Pac-12, including game-day events, expanded group ticket offerings and Flex Pass season tickets. With the installation of field lights and new video scoreboard, fan support for Cal Baseball has expanded significantly, resulting in a positive impact on annual revenues. faCIlITIes ImProVemenTs Working closely with the Cal Athletics Capital Projects staff, the Foundation raised funds to install field lighting and a new video scoreboard. This let Cal Athletics meet its obligations under the Pac-12 Network media contract, and the lighting installation fulfills the need for safety lighting for fans attending night games at Haas Pavilion and access to the Recreation Sports Facility. In 2016, the Foundation sponsored the renovation of the team locker room. alumnI enGaGemenT The Foundation maintains strong relationships with alumni and their families through the annual Ralph Walker Cup, pre-season Gala, Alumni Day, and Fan Fest. Over 30 former Cal Baseball players have formed an Era Captains player-to-player network and alumni have initiated the Career and Business Network for current student athletes and young player alumni. CommunITy InVolVemenT Cal Baseball is committed to the development of young athletes who are dedicated to the broader community. Each year the team volunteers at the Alameda County Food Bank and sponsors a book drive at Evans Diamond to support the East Bay Book Project. Cal Baseball recently established a relationship with the De La Salle Academy, a middle school for boys of academic promise from low-income families.

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