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Dear Blue Jays: The attractive cover photo of this special issue of Jaynotes shows a brand new John Ryan Stadium shimmering and shining some 500 feet above the city’s night sky. The cover photo stands in stark contrast to what existed on the property before — the abandoned Cold Storage Warehouse facility shown on this page. Jesuit purchased this tract of property in December 2009 and demolished the warehouse a few months later. In only 38 months, the property was completely transformed into a first-class multi-sport practice field and stadium for Jesuit’s students. John Ryan Stadium has only reached completion through the foresight, planning, generosity, effort, and cooperation of many people. I wish to offer a special word of thanks to my predecessor, Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66. The vision for this field grew from the comprehensive Master Plan created in 1998-99 by Father McGinn, Jesuit’s Board of Directors, and the President’s Advisory Council. The goal of this Master Plan was to improve Jesuit’s facilities by undertaking important capital projects that would enhance all aspects of our program to form
and educate young men, a program that recognizes the importance of every aspect of our students’ lives. This impressive athletic facility, together with Jesuit’s other improvements over the last 13 years, is moving our school forward in its mission of education. It marks another milestone along a road that leads from a hallowed tradition to a strong and vibrant future. John Ryan Stadium stands today because of Jesuit’s commitment to the education of the whole man. It thus reminds us of our duty to direct our every activity AMDG. Sincerely,
Raymond Fitzgerald ’76 President
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More than a century after Jesuit fielded its first athletic team and decades after the idea for a stadium was first introduced, Blue Jays finally have a home of their own in John Ryan Stadium. The Jays swept all three baseball games that first weekend in March. The historic Friday night opening game against Holy Cross was played before a standing-room-only crowd. When it was time to start the game, the fans all shouted in unison...
play ball!
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Jesuit, a mere three minutes by car up Airline Drive. On the property were the remnants of the Cold Storage Warehouse, a large building that had been abandoned since Hurricane Katrina. Its owners were asking $2.75 million, but eventually Talbot negotiated a sale price of $948,000. Heigle and his associate at Capital Title, Gerard Discon ’99, handled the act of sale.
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Nathan Junius ’97 and Casey Genovese ’00 of Linfield, Hunter, & Junius, Inc. provided critical engineering and environmental assessments of the property.
GRAND OPENING WEEKEND March 2-4, 2012
Home Field Advantage Campaign co-chairs Terry Billings ’74 (left) and Bill Babin ’74.
In early 2009, Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 approached us to work side by side to co-chair a new capital drive to raise
the funds to build the school’s first off-campus multi-purpose athletic stadium. Our enthusiasm for the project made it easy for us to respond with a resounding “YES!” We thought back to our years playing Jesuit baseball and chuckled at the memories of boarding the school bus to travel to City Park to practice. Many Blue Jays, besides the two of us, spent hours practicing on those Marconi fields. We realized that this new facility would be our own, a place to foster the teaching of our coaches, and a place to see those efforts bear fruit in actual games. When the scope and budget of the project was initially discussed, the cost was approximately $5 million. We knew that Jesuit alumni, especially those Blue Jay athletes who had toiled and practiced at “less than the best” of facilities, would flock to support a campaign designed to raise the requisite funds. We told Father McGinn that we were confident we could raise more than $7 million. Fortunately, he agreed with us, and we are proud to see that his dream has become a reality. What started
as a few sketches and some wishful thinking has metamorphosed into a first class high school sports practice field and stadium. For the first time, many of Jesuit’s athletic teams – baseball, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, and football – will have their own home field and the advantage that comes with it. The Blue Jays finally have a “Home Field Advantage.” Fr. McGinn and his successor, Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 worked together, and with many others, to promote and sell the campaign to our alumni and parents. Without the involvement of several individuals, the project might not be where it is today. When it comes to real estate and property acquisitions, Jesuit High School has relied for more than 25 years on the probono services of two members of the President’s Advisory Council (PAC) — Robert Talbot, Jr. ’55, one of the most knowledgeable commercial realtors in the region, and Kevin Heigle ’69, an attorney who specializes in real estate law. In 2008, Talbot made a promising discovery for Jesuit — a seven-acre tract of land was available in a light industrial area of Jefferson Parish. The tract was just over the Orleans-Jefferson Parish line, sandwiched between Airline Drive and the Earhart Expressway. Best of all, it was ideally located only 2.9 miles from
Bill Gwyn, president of Eustis Engineering, Inc. and the father of a Jesuit alumnus, donated his firm’s services in connection with geotechnical studies that determined the suitability of the property’s soil conditions for the construction of an athletic stadium with artificial turf field. Civil engineer Walter Baudier, president of Design Engineering, Inc. and also the father of a Jesuit alumnus, worked tirelessly to coordinate the various architecture, engineering, environmental, demolition, construction, and landscaping services. Baudier, a member of Jesuit’s board of directors and also a longtime member of the PAC, provided crucial and invaluable advice throughout the course of this project. Attorneys Mike McGlone ’68 and Anthony Williams ’92 of Kean Miller, L.L.P., and Carl Servat ’93 of Lukinovich Law, A.P.L.C. provided pro bono legal services, which included wise counsel on diverse legal and insurance issues.
and Sara Gootee. In our wildest dreams, we could not have been prepared for the level of excitement, enthusiasm, and sheer unbridled joy that registered on the faces of Blue Jay players, alumni, parents, and even our guests, throughout the magical grand opening weekend. Fans packed John Ryan Stadium on Friday, March 2, 2012 for the historic “first” baseball game featuring the Blue Jays and the Tigers of Holy Cross. Before John Ryan ’70 threw the ceremonial first pitch, he shared with the crowd that God had abundantly blessed his family. He and his wife Janet committed $1 million to the project because it was simply one way to give back to the school which had been instrumental in his development as the man, the husband, and the father he is today. Like John, we, too, feel deeply grateful and indebted to Jesuit High School for not only our academic formation, but also for instilling in us the faith and values system which compel us to live our motto, “Men for Others.” We feel humbled by the opportunity to have been actively involved in seeing this project to its completion. Jesuit High School spared no expense in building and completing John Ryan Stadium. The final cost was $8 million. We thank the hundreds of alumni, parents, and friends who, as we expected, have generously responded with multi-year pledges and donations to ensure that all project costs are covered.
Mathes Brierre Architects (Creed Brierre ’64) pulled off some creative design plans and somehow made it all work — arranging and fitting four fields (for baseball, soccer, rugby, and football) inside a stadium, and making the facility attractive with really beautiful landscaping.
John Ryan Stadium is an incredible legacy for alumni, parents, and friends to leave Jesuit High School and its future athletes. We finally have an athletic facility that can truly be called “Home!”
Jack’s Electric Service, Inc. (Lloyd Huck ’87) installed the towering lights that illuminate the field for night practice and games.
Sincerely,
Ryan Gootee General Contractors, L.L.C., whose president is Ryan Gootee ’91, oversaw all aspects of construction. RGGC built Jesuit a magnificent athletic complex, which includes a concession area underwritten with a $75,000 donation by Ryan
Bill Babin, Jr. ’74
Did you know? June 23 The Jesuits’ College Athletic Club is organized “to promote the love of manly sports among the students of the College, and to furnish them with a systematic training in all that belongs to physical culture and to give games.” Jesuit High School of new orleans
Jaynotes, the magazine for and about alumni, parents, and students of Jesuit High School of New Orleans, is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Opinions expressed in Jaynotes are those of the individual authors. President Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76
fitzgerald@jesuitnola.org
Director of Institutional Advancement Thomas V. Bagwill II
bagwill@jesuitnola.org
Director of Communications Pierre DeGruy ’69
Jaynotes Editor degruy@jesuitnola.org
Director of Alumni Affairs Mat Grau ’68
grau@jesuitnola.org
Director of Special Projects Br. William Dardis, S.J. ’58
dardis@jesuitnola.org Creative Director Meghan Weaver
weaver@jesuitnola.org Executive Development Coordinator Krista Roeling
roeling@jesuitnola.org LEF Coordinator Logan Diano
diano@jesuitnola.org Alumni Coordinator Wendy Schneider
schneider@jesuitnola.org Volunteer Coordinator Marilyn Beauford
beauford@jesuitnola.org
Letters, photographs, and correspondence are welcome and may be submitted to degruy@jesuitnola.org or mailed to:
Terry Billings ’74
Jaynotes Jesuit High School 4133 Banks St. New Orleans, LA 70119 Contact info and address changes should be emailed to alumni@jesuitnola.org, or call Jesuit’s alumni office at 504-483-3815. alumni@jesuitnola.org.
John ryan stadium... 120 years in the making For the first time in the school’s history, an athletic team is listed, along with a photo, in the school bulletin — the “Jesuit College Base Ball Team of 1901.”
Did You Know? Athletic Park, also known as Crescent City Park, was built in 1901 at the corner of Carrollton and Banks, where the Jesuit gym is today. Shortly thereafter its name was changed to Pelican Park. In 1915 it was dismantled and moved by mules, one piece at a time, to the corner of Tulane and Carrollton Avenues.
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on Blue Jay Way The March 2-4, 2012 Grand Opening Weekend of Jesuit High School’s first offcampus athletic complex known as John Ryan Stadium brought together Blue Jays near and far to a little known address in Jefferson Parish, just on the other side of the Orleans Parish line between Airline Drive and the Earhart Expressway. The distinctively Jesuit address — 100 Blue Jay Way — also has a magical Beatles flair to it. The address is still so new that Google maps have not yet caught up with it. That weekend, Blue Jays flocked to 100 Blue Jay Way to celebrate the realization of a dream. John Ryan Stadium is the new home of Jesuit’s baseball, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, and football programs. The varsity football team will use the facility to hold practices but, for space purposes, must still play
home games at Tad Gormley Stadium. The celebration actually began on Thursday, March 1 with a Patron Party designed to thank those who participated in the Home Field Advantage campaign, the capital drive that is serving as the vehicle to garner financial support for the facility. Among the guests of honor at the Patron event, and throughout the special weekend, were Janet and John Ryan ’70, who stepped up to the plate as lead donors of the project; Jesuit’s former president, Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66; the school’s current leader, Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76; and Home Field Advantage cochairmen Bill Babin and Terry Billings, both of the Class of ’74. Under the expansive Wally Pontiff, Jr. Pavilion, 150 guests enjoyed refreshments
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Opposite page, from left, At the Opening Ceremony, former Jesuit president Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 addresses the crowd. Mayor Mitch Landrieu ’78 and Jefferson Parish president John Young hailed the stadium. This page, from left, Bill Babin ’74 chats with Major Leaguer Will Clark ’82 who brought along his son Trey. On Alumni Day, Blue Jay baseball players from 1946 to 2011 visited with the current varsity team and wished them well for the 2012 season.
and hors d’oeuvres served by Cottage Catering’s ballpark staff, who were decked out in Jesuit baseball jerseys. Proud supporters could be found in every nook and cranny of the sparkling facility — in the dugouts; on the pitcher’s mound posing for a once-in-alifetime photo; behind home plate admiring the signature Blue “J” stenciled into the turf; in the covered grandstand or open bleachers practicing their views; in left field gazing up at the impressive video scoreboard flashing its welcoming graphics; on the entrance walkway searching for their donor bricks;
and beneath the gleaming stadium logo affixed to the ticket booth that welcomes everyone to the impressive ball park. The Grand Opening Weekend celebration was built around the Jesuit Invitational Baseball Tournament featuring teams that once comprised the city’s Catholic League. The weekend provided an opportunity for the Jesuit High School community to celebrate, not just a new sports facility, but its athletic history as well. That impressive history was well represented by former coaches and players, including
legends Kevin Trower ’52 and Frank Misuraca; ten Jesuit alumni who made it to the Major Leagues, including Rusty Staub ’61 and Will Clark ’82; and the 1946 and 1960 American Legion World Champion teams (read the article on page 16). New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu ’78 was on hand to wish his alma mater well while Jefferson Parish President John Young welcomed his sons’ school to the neighborhood. After the American flag was raised above the ballpark for the first time and Kirk Redmann ’79 sang the National Anthem,
former Blue Jay and Green Wave pitcher John Ryan tossed the ceremonial first pitch. Then the starting lineup for the Blue Jays ran out to the field as it was time to “Play Ball.” A cold, blustery Saturday, March 3, was Alumni Day at the ballpark. Appropriately played on Alumni Field — named in honor of alums who have pledged or donated $10,000 to the campaign — former Blue Jay ball players squared off in a Blue and White softball game. Baseball alumnus Mat Grau III ’92 braved the cold and belted out the National Anthem before the current
DiD you Know? The baseball team captures the school’s first state championship. Popular sites for games are Hi-Way Park and Kempster Park.
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Jay players took on Shaw. The best moments are often the unscripted ones, and that’s just what happened after the ceremony honoring all Jesuit baseball alumni. As the alumni left the field, they filed past the Jesuit dugout to shake the hands of today’s Jays and wish them well as they continued the school’s baseball tradition. Sunday was dedicated to the Blue Jays of today and those who lead them, the faculty. Read the story about their first senior-faculty baseball game at the stadium on page 24. After pre-game entertainment by the Blue Jay Band and the National
Anthem sung by the student choir, the Jays took on the Purple Knights of St. Augustine in a game peppered with between-inning student events such as the Dizzy Bat Race. Fun was had by all as the students and teachers got to “root, root, root for the Blue Jays… at the old ball game.” As Fr. Fitzgerald said to fans during the Opening Ceremony, “It’s not often that in the school’s 165 year history we get to celebrate something we have never done before.” Indeed, that special weekend of March 2-4 was all about celebrating.
john ryan stadium... 120 years in the making In the 1930s the Jesuit baseball program establishes itself as the premiere prep baseball program in the state. the Jays win seven State titles, often playing in nearby Heinemann Park, home of the New Orleans Pelicans, to accommodate the crowds. Attendance of 5,000 was not unheard of.
The 1933 State Champions pose inside Heinemann Park.
The undefeated State Champions of 1936 stand out as a special team. In 2003 The Times-Picayune would rate this team as the best high school baseball team in the history of New Orleans prep sports.
Charlie Gilbert ’37
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Baseball Team Christens John Ryan Stadium in Winning Fashion
On Opening Weekend, one prominent Blue Jay looked quite different from before — Jayson! The mascot was given an upgrade and sported a new costume.
Blue Jays Show Off Their “Home Field Advantage” by Sweeping All Three Games During the Grand Opening Weekend
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For the first time in Jesuit’s history, the Blue Jays have a home field to call their own. It was a long time for the dreams of many to become reality, and the baseball team’s performances that weekend, and, for that matter, the entire 2012 inaugural season, made the wait all worthwhile. “I tried my best to describe to (the team) what atmosphere to expect for their opening night game, but I think I fell short,” said Jesuit head baseball coach Joey Latino.
“That was pretty special but it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the team,” said Robért of his historic hit. “Sure, I got the first hit and the first RBI, but we got the first win together.”
DiD you Know? On May 19 at Muny Park (later Larry Gilbert Stadium), the Jesuit baseball team bests St. Aloysius 5-2 to capture the State title and complete an undefeated season. A few months later Blue Jay Gus Riordan ’46 hurls a two-hitter to defeat Trenton and capture the school’s first American Legion World Championship. Jesuit High School of new orleans
Second baseman Armand Daigle scores the first run at John Ryan Stadium.
“That night, the entire weekend in fact, was truly amazing. We talked about how there would not be an empty seat in the place and the noise would be much louder than whatever they experienced in the past. We fed it to the players all week long in order to give them some sense of preparation. Beyond that, we just talked about how it is still baseball and it is still seven innings. We needed to pitch, catch, and come through offensively. The team certainly did all of that, not only in the Holy Cross game, but also against Shaw and St. Aug.” Jesuit wasted little time jumping on the Tigers. Senior shortstop Armand Daigle drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the first and senior catcher Matt Robért recorded the first hit at the new stadium when he hammered an RBI double to straight-away center. Robért, whose standup double scored Daigle, is also credited with the first RBI at John Ryan Stadium.
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Fresh Feathers for Jayson
A New Era for Jesuit Athletics
t precisely 7:48 p.m. on March 2, 2012, Jesuit High School’s senior pitcher Emerson Gibbs dug into his glove, reared back, and zipped a ball toward home plate. It was the pitch that officially opened a new and exciting era for Jesuit athletics, and particularly, Blue Jay baseball. The inaugural game played between Jesuit and Holy Cross at John Ryan Stadium that evening lasted slightly longer than 90 minutes. But that was more than enough time for the overflow crowd of 1,472 — the majority ardent Blue Jay supporters — to soak up the electrifying atmosphere that enveloped this sparkling new athletic complex.
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included,” said Latino. “The one thing I was disappointed in was after that first, we went soft for two or three innings. The score got back to 2-1 and it looked as if this put a sense of urgency in our kids. We answered that run an inning later and we got three separation runs in the sixth.”
Senior Emerson Gibbs threw the first pitch and a complete seven inning game against the Tigers on Opening Night. For more “firsts” at John Ryan Stadium, turn to page 17. Gibbs pitched a complete seven inning game against the Tigers. He struck out three batters and gave up just three hits and an unearned run along the way. “You want to come out of the gates quickly against any opponent, Holy Cross
Jesuit earned a district championship in 2012 and extended the season into the state playoffs. The Jays were fortunate to host and win their first two playoff games at John Ryan Stadium. They advanced to the state tournament, which was held in early May at Tulane University’s Turchin Stadium. After squeaking by Byrd, 2-1, in the quarterfinals, Barbe (the eventual state champions) bounced Jesuit in a semifinal game, 4-1. The Blue Jays compiled an overall 27-8
record for the season, which included 13 baseball games played at their new home, 12 of which they won. Their sole loss at home was sustained on March 24 when the John Ehret Patriots snuck by, 5-3. Those 13 games at John Ryan Stadium produced a total of 91 runs for the Blue Jays while their opponents scored a total of 17 runs. The Jays averaged seven runs per game, a definite “Home Field Advantage.” Of course, the statistic for runs scored this first season might be viewed as skewed because the Jays crossed the plate 30 times in defeating a hapless West Jefferson team. “I actually hoped West Jeff would catch the next fly ball hit by one of our guys,” said Latino. “We were trying not to score and that’s a first for me.”
OPENING WEEKEND RECAP Opening Night Game on Friday, March 2: Jesuit 6 Holy Cross 1 Saturday’s Game: Jesuit 4 Archbishop Shaw 3 Sunday’s Game: Jesuit 6 St. Augustine 2
Jesuit went to a Milwaukee-based company that specializes in creating mascot costumes for such companies as McDonald’s, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Disney, and Dr. Pepper. The spirited students who take turns wearing the Jayson costume report that their new feathers are much more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time, primarily because of features like a special cooling vest and collar. What’s in a Name? Learn about the history of Jayson, and how he earned his name in the Graduation 2012 issue of Jaynotes coming this summer.
john ryan stadium... 120 years in the making Kirsch-Rooney Stadium opens. Named for two Jesuit alumni who were killed in World War II, Cyril Kirsch ’41 and Robert Rooney ’39, the stadium would become the “work horse” of prep baseball games for decades. Cyril Kirsch ’41
Robert Rooney ’39
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Quotable Sand and divots work on a golf course, but they don’t make for optimum conditions on a rugby field. I’m really looking forward to being able to make cuts and run on a flat surface without worrying about slipping. And I hope the stadium atmosphere attracts more fans to our games.
Thomas Wisecarver '13 Outside Center, varsity Rugby We’re really looking forward to having a place of our own. The stands, the Blue Jay signs, and the scoreboard will enhance the game experience for everyone who loves Jesuit soccer.
Evan Kramer '14 Midfielder, varsity soccer Standing behind Rusty Staub and the other great Jesuit baseball players on Opening Night was an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime feeling. As a team, we felt like John Ryan Stadium would propel us to another successful season. In fact, it was a wonderful season, and the stadium will impact Jesuit athletics for years to come.
MATT BRAUD '12 INFIELDER, VARSITY BASEBALL I’ve played on turf before, but never turf as nice as the field at John Ryan Stadium. I’m very excited and grateful that we have our own field.
CHARLES JACKSON '15 rUNNING BACK, VARSITY FOOTBALL It’s great to know that the lacrosse program will have access to this beautiful facility. We look forward to representing Jesuit at John Ryan Stadium and working our way back to another state championship.
ANTONIO SCELFO '13 DEFENDER, VARSITY LACROSSE It takes your breath away and makes you feel like a big leaguer. It’s going to be special to be part of the first team that spends its entire Jesuit career playing at John Ryan Stadium.
Connor Maginnis '16
SHORTSTOP / PITCHER, PRE-FRESHMAN BASEBALL
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John Ryan '70 On Friday evening, March 2, 2012, I arrived with my small entourage of family and close friends for the Opening Night of Jesuit’s new athletic stadium — the one that bears my own name. I admit I was nervous and full of angst, almost as if I were the starting pitcher for the Blue Jays. We entered the stadium and strolled past the busy concession area. When we reached our destination — behind home plate in the grandstand seating area — I stood transfixed in absolute awe and amazement. I was literally stunned by the grandeur of the vista upon which my eyes feasted. Yes, it is only a stadium, but everything about it sparkled and gleamed. There are 622 seats in the grandstand and the sideline bleachers accommodate 680 fans. Trust me, there’s not a bad seat in this Jesuit house and fans will be treated to the same sweeping panorama of athletic beauty that I experienced on opening night.
Top: Ryan throws the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Night. Bottom: John, accompanied by his wife Janet, speaks to the standing-room-only crowd during the Opening Ceremony.
Looking back, I was not the only astonished Blue Jay. There were plenty of others, all of us struck by the realization that Jesuit finally, finally had its own home stadium. And what a magnificent facility for Jesuit High School and its student-athletes, coaches, alumni, parents, and friends! It all seemed so surreal to me. Opening Day in the major leagues could not top this as the digital scoreboard flashed welcome
messages. The blue and white Jesuit banners surrounding the entire perimeter of the facility fluttered in the breeze. Beyond the fence in straight away center field were three flagpoles, the middle one reserved for the United States flag, and flanked by a Jesuit flag and a State of Louisiana flag. The towering lights, affixed to steel poles anchored in mammoth slabs of concrete foundations, bathed the entire stadium and were bright enough to turn night into day. The field with its “fresh” artificial turf appeared flawless. I should say “fields” because in addition to baseball, the stadium will host soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and junior varsity
Jesuit High School of new orleans
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This Blue Jay Who Put His Name on the Stadium Was Astonished by It All football games.
me with a Jesuit education. My father worked at New Orleans Public Service, Inc. That night I felt very proud, not only of for 38 years, and my mother was a teacher my alma mater, but also of my wife Janet at St. Mary Magdalen School. As I stood there taking in the sights, I thought of my close friend, Mike Miley. We played ball together from the time we were four years-old until we went our separate ways in high school. Mike was a great East Jefferson High School and LSU athlete who died in an automobile accident in 1974. When Airline Park Playground was renamed in his memory, he could not be there to enjoy the experience. And there I was, standing in a stadium named after me, about to take part in the opening night ceremonies. When it was time for me to throw the ceremonial first pitch, the great Rusty Staub ’61 offered this sage advice: “John, take the ball, walk to the rubber, turn around and wave to everyone, then take four or five steps toward home plate, and throw the Ryan gives the varsity team a few pointers prior ball. Whatever you do, do not bounce to the first pitch on Opening Night. it! That would be real embarrassing.” Talk about pressure! Suddenly, the distance doubled between the pitcher’s and our two sons. I felt pangs of guilt for mound and home plate. Senior Matt leaving New Orleans after graduating from Robért, the Blue Jays’ catcher, ran to the Tulane. I felt remorse for my deceased mound to give me the baseball. His advice parents who would have loved to see it all. I was comforting: “Don’t worry, Mr. Ryan, I’ll thought of their many sacrifices to provide
DiD you Know? Coach Kevin Trower’s team wins the school’s second American Legion World Championship. Legion games are played at Kirsch-Rooney Stadium, Larry Gilbert Stadium, and Perry Roehm Stadium, infamous for its outfield light standards actually on the playing field.
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make you look good.” I sure was happy that he did! I offer this simple advice for Jesuit’s students and its athletes — use this radiant jewel of a stadium, enjoy it, cherish it, and be proud of it, knowing that yours is one of the finest prep facilities in the entire country. Play hard, play fair, never say never, and always remember to thank your parents for your Jesuit education. Several people have asked me ‘Why a gift of this magnitude?’ Simply put, I believe that someone who is blessed should “pay it forward.” When I heard about this project, it reminded me of all the hours our baseball team wasted trying to find an open field in City Park where we could practice. How great it would have been to practice and play games on our own home field. From the moment Fr. McGinn spoke to me about the stadium, I was interested in helping. But committing to a significant donation was a decision not to be made alone. Janet and I thoroughly discussed it and, together, we made the decision to go all in. We attended the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2010 when Fr. McGinn broke the news of our $1 million gift. It was a good moment for all, but especially for Jesuit.
john ryan stadium... 120 years in the making Jesuit’s soccer program gets its start as a club sport. In the early years, the team played games on a field set up on the fairway of a hole on the defunct South golf course in city park.
At LSU’s Alex Box Stadium, the Jays successfully defend their State title in baseball. Twelve members of the team would receive college grants-in-aid including thensophomore Will Clark ’82 who would go on to play in the Majors and finish with a career batting average of .303.
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Blue Jays in a League of Their Own Ten alumni of Jesuit High School are members of a very exclusive group. They can call themselves Jesuit Blue Jays and Major League baseball players. The Grand Opening of John Ryan Stadium was an occasion to showcase not just a beautiful new facility, but also men who ascended to the very highest level of their profession. Charlie Gilbert ’37 Breaking in with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1940, Charlie Gilbert, an outfielder, was the first Blue Jay in the majors, spending six years in the National League. In addition to the Dodgers, Charlie played with the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies. Charlie was the son of former major leaguer and New Orleans Pelicans manager Larry Gilbert. Together they became the first fatherson entry in the Majors from Louisiana. Charlie Gilbert died in 1983. (Charlie was represented by his son Lawrence Gilbert ’65.)
John “Fats” D’Antonio ’37 Like his classmate Charlie Gilbert, Fats D’Antonio broke in with the Brooklyn Dodgers. But before doing so in 1944, he played in each classification of professional
baseball starting in the lowest level of Class “D.” A catcher, Fats played two seasons at Ebbets Field for Hall of Fame manager Leo Durocher. While in the minors, he caught for his roommate and longtime friend Stan “The Man” Musial, who began his professional career as a pitcher. Fats died in 1993. (He was represented by his daughter, Joan Barrera, who serves as administrative assistant for the Jesuit guidance department.)
Cornelius “Connie” Ryan ’38 Connie Ryan enjoyed a 12-year career in the Majors from 1942 to 1954, predominantly as an infielder. He debuted with the New York Giants and also played
with the Boston Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox. Connie was the first Blue Jay to play in an All-Star game (1944) and a World Series (1948). With Philadelphia, Connie once had six hits in a single game, still a Phillie record. Connie was the only Blue Jay ever to manage in the Majors, doing so for Atlanta and Texas. In one of baseball’s most memorable moments, Connie was the Braves’ third-base coach when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s career home run record in 1974. Connie died in 1996. (Connie was represented by his daughter, Sharon Rodi.)
Ralph “Putsy” Caballero ’44 Putsy Caballero spent his entire 8-year career as an infielder with the Philadelphia Phillies during the “Whiz Kids” era. The highlight of his career was playing on the Phillies ’1950 World Series team. Putsy still
The ten Blue Jay major leaguers, or their representatives, circle around the mound on Opening Night as they are honored during the pre-game ceremony.
holds the record as the youngest person in big league history to play 3rd base. He was a Blue Jay at the start of the summer of 1944. When summer ended, he was a Philadelphia Phillie. And Putsy was only 16 years old.
Harold “Tookie” Gilbert ’46 Tookie Gilbert was one of the first “bonus babies” to sign with the New York Giants after WW II. He spent both the 1950 and 1953 seasons at the Polo Grounds playing 1st base. He and his older brother Charlie (’37) were the
DiD you Know? Jesuit’s bid for property to build a stadium at Tulane and Jefferson Davis is rejected.
Jesuit High School of new orleans
first brothers from Louisiana to play in the majors. Tookie died in 1967. (He was represented by his nephew, Lawrence Gilbert ’65.)
Daniel “Rusty” Staub ’61 Rusty Staub enjoyed a 23-year career that spanned from 1963-1985. He began his career with the Houston Colt 45s at the age of 19. He also played for the Montreal Expos, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers. Rusty’s breakout season was 1967 when
he made the first of his six All-Star Game appearances. Following a three-year stint with Montreal, where he was fan favorite “Le Grande Orange,” Rusty moved on to the Mets, where he was the leading hitter in the 1973 World Series (.473), doing so with a separated right shoulder. Late in his playing career, Rusty became a pinch hitter par excellence, tying the National League consecutive pinch hit record and the Major League record for runs batted in by a pinch hitter.
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john ryan stadium... 120 years in the making The Jays defeat Denham Springs 2-1 in the quarterfinal matchup pitting future Major Leaguer Ben McDonald against Jays’ ace Glenn Leaveau ’85. The Jays win the “strikeout fest” scoring the winning run in the bottom of the last with two outs. The Jays go on to win the State title that year.
In the first year of soccer as an LHSAA sport, the Jays capture the State Championship. The game is played on the Newman High School pitch.
During the 19841988 seasons, the Blue Jays’ home field is Wesley Barrow Stadium.
Wesley Barrow Stadium
www.jesuitnola.org
SPECIAL EDITION
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patron preview On the Thursday prior to Opening Weekend, patrons of John Ryan Stadium were invited to tour the athletic facility and get a sneak peek of the $8 million new Home of the Blue Jays.
Above: After photographing themselves on the field, touring the facility, and enjoying ballpark delicacies, patrons take their seats in the grandstand as Home Field Advantage Campaign Co-Chairs Bill Babin (left) and Terry Billings of the Class of 1974 address the crowd to thank them for their involvement. Middle left: Fr. Fitzgerald thanks the patrons for their support, as well as Fr. McGinn, for his tireless work on the stadium project from its inception until June 1, 2011, when he assumed new responsibilities in the Jesuits’ New Orleans Province. Middle right: Ashley and Ross Cascio ’98. Left: Classmates Ardley Hanemann and Clockwise, from top left, former Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 and Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76, the school’s current president, experience the excitement with the stadium’s lead donors and guests of honor, Janet and John Ryan ’70. Former Jesuit shortstop Brett Forshag (left) and his 1984 classmate and teammate, second baseman Andy Galy, reminisce on the new field about all the double plays they could have produced if they only played on similar artificial turf. (Middle photo) Sara and Ryan Gootee ’91 check out the facility built by Ryan Gootee General Contractors, L.LC., of which he is president. (Middle right) Ashley Collins and her fiancé Trey Fury ’02, who served as a member of the committee that planned the opening weekend events at the stadium. Fr. Fitzgerald with Walter and Alice Baudier (left), and Ann and Greg Tilton ’70. James Oertling ’98 (above left) and his brother Ben ’06 have a grandstand moment with their father, Laurie Oertling ’70.
Rusty Staub of the Class of ’61 trade whoppers with alumni director Mat Grau ’68 and Rusty’s older brother, Chuck Staub ’60, who, as the captain of Jesuit’s 1960 American Legion World Championship team, was himself a pretty decent ball player. As a junior at Jesuit, Rusty also played on the Legion team with Chuck.
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SPECIAL EDITION
continued from page 11 Only three Major Leaguers have hit home runs before turning 20 and after turning 40: Ty Cobb, Gary Sheffield, and Rusty Staub. Finishing just 284 hits shy of 3,000, Rusty also is the only player to have collected 500 hits with each of four different clubs. Rusty’s #10 was retired by Montreal and he was inducted into the Halls of Fame for the Mets, Texas, and Canadian Baseball. In 1991 Rusty was named Jesuit’s Alumnus of the Year.
Jimmy Gaudet ’73 Jimmy Gaudet was the first Blue Jay to begin his career in the American League. In the 1978 and 1979 seasons, Jimmy was a catcher for the Kansas City Royals. Jimmy had the distinction of reaching base in his first Major League at-bat, and that was against Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. He then notched his first career hit off of another Hall of Famer, Goose Gossage at Yankee Stadium on NBC’s Game of the Week. Jimmy now resides in Macon, Georgia. (He was represented by his brother, Billy Gaudet ’75, who was also a Blue Jay baseball letterman.)
Will Clark ’82 Will Clark was an AllAmerican at Mississippi State and the recipient of the 1985 Golden Spikes Award, emblematic of the best collegiate baseball
player. Will topped off his amateur years as a member of the first U. S. Olympic baseball team. In 1986 Will debuted with the San Francisco Giants, homering on his first swing against Nolan Ryan in the Astrodome. Over the next six seasons Will established himself as the premier first baseman in the National League. From 1988-1992 he was selected as the starting first baseman for the National League All-Star team. In 1989 Will hit a career high .333, led the National League in runs scored, and then hit .650 in the National League Championship Series, earning him MVP honors in the series and leading the Giants into the World Series. After playing for the Texas Rangers, the Baltimore Orioles, and the St. Louis Cardinals, Will concluded his impressive 15-years in the Majors in 2000 with a career batting average of .303. In 2006 Will was inducted into the inaugural class of the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, and in January of this year he was inducted into the LHSAA Hall of Fame.
training, Johnny was represented by his father, Johnny Giavotella.)
Ryan Adams ’06 During the 2011 season, Ryan Adams was the first Blue Jay to be called up to the Majors. Drafted out of Jesuit by the Baltimore Orioles, Ryan excelled in the club’s farm system. In two stints with the Orioles as a second-baseman, Ryan hit a very respectable .289. (Ryan was at spring training and was represented by his father, Rick Adams.)
Jesuit High School of new orleans
JayNotes |
“Le Grande Orange” Addresses Blue Jays at Assembly
One of Jesuit’s star baseball alumni, Rusty Staub of the Class of 1961, flew to New Orleans for the grand opening festivities of John Ryan Stadium. On Friday, March 2, 2012, Blue Jays came to school wearing blue or white t-shirts in recognition of the opening of the stadium. At Morning Assembly, Jesuit athletic director David Moreau introduced Staub to Blue Jays, who gave him a warm
Athletic Director Dave Moreau introduces the Blue Jay Major Leaguers and their representatives on Opening Night.
Johnny Giavotella ’05 One of two Blue Jays to make it to the Bigs in 2011, Johnny Giavotella earned his spot on the roster of the Kansas City Royals via a stellar minor league performance. Last season Johnny’s big offensive year with AAA Omaha earned him the prestigious George Brett Award as the Royals’ top minor league hitter. After his promotion to play second base for the Royals, he finished strong in hitting .247 in 46 games. (Away at spring
welcome home. Introduction by David Moreau: While a student at Jesuit High School, Rusty Staub was a star basketball and baseball player. He played a major role in Jesuit winning the 1960 American Legion Baseball World Series. In Jesuit’s Hall of Honors is a glass trophy case that displays some of Rusty’s memorabilia, including his Jesuit glove, bat, and (bronzed) baseball shoes, and his Mets hat, items which he donated some 40 years ago to Jesuit High School. When Rusty graduated in 1961 from Jesuit, he signed a pro contract to play with the Houston Colt 45s, the predecessors of the Astros. It’s hard to believe, but at the age of 19, he was a starter for the Colts. By 1967, Rusty was a National League “All Star,” making his first of six All Star
DiD you Know? As part of the school’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, Jesuit plays Catholic High of Baton Rouge on April 27 in the first prep game at Zephyr Stadium.
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game appearances. He played outfield and first base, and was traded several times. In addition to the Colts, Rusty played for the Montreal Expos, the New York Mets, the Detroit Tigers, and the Texas Rangers. In Montreal, Rusty was a fan favorite whose nickname was “Le Grande Orange” because of his prominent red hair. In 1973, Rusty was in his first of two stints with the Mets when he reached baseball’s greatest stage, the World Series. Although he played with a separated right shoulder, he still managed to lead the Series that year in hitting, at a .423 clip. In the late stages of his career, Rusty became a tremendous pinch hitter. He continued to bear down and to do the best he could for his team. He chalked up 11,229 plate appearances in 2,951 games. He carried a
respectable .279 batting average. He belted 292 home runs. Rusty played his last game in the majors as a Met on October 6, 1985. He had played 23 years in professional baseball at the Major League level. Any time you play 23 years in a professional sport, you’re not there because they like you and you’re not there because you were once good. It’s because you had to really be real, real good. And Rusty was real good. Two things I can tell you about watching Rusty play on television and seeing him in person a few times when I was a kid. The man played with a tremendous amount of class. He carried himself with modesty. He played with a quiet confidence that comes from preparation and he played in the
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john ryan stadium... 120 years in the making The Blue Jay soccer team compiles a perfect 31-0-0 record in capturing the State Championship. The title game is played on a field next to Zephyr Stadium in Metairie.
Jesuit rugby makes its debut as a club sport.
In just its second year, the rugby team wins the State Championship, the first of six consecutive State titles. Students get used to hearing about games being played on the “Gretna pitch.”
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1946 and 1960 Jesuit Baseball Teams Soared to the Highest Heights The Jesuit High School baseball program has been around for 110 years. Many teams have achieved high levels of success, especially the 20 Blue Jay squads that captured the State Championships. However, two teams stand out above all others for having gone all the way to the top, to the very highest level. The Jesuit baseball teams of 1946 and 1960 won the American Legion World Championship. A high school team cannot climb any higher.
1946 The 1946 team was described by local sports writers as “the smallest team in the tournament” and ultimately, “those amazing Blue Jays of Jesuit High.” The Jays indeed brought home the bacon. Of the eight surviving members of the team, five attended the Opening Weekend festivities at John Ryan Stadium and were duly honored on “Baseball Alumni Day” (Saturday, March 3, 2012). They were Moon Landrieu ’48, Stanley McDermott ’46, Donald Murphy ’47, Pat Rooney ’47, and captain Don Wetzel ’46. Billy Glennon ’48, Gus Riordan ’46, and Joe Shirer ’48 were unable to attend. The deceased members of the team are Monroe Caballero ’47, Robert Larue ’47, Joe Mock, Jr. ’48, James Nissel ’50, Terry
Ryan ’47, Tom Wedig ’46, and coach Eddie Toribio ’34.
1960
Stadium
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There’s a “first” for everything, so here’s a compilation of some “Blue Jay firsts” from Opening Night (Jesuit vs. Holy Cross) at John Ryan Stadium.
National Anthem
The 1946 American Legion World Championship team included, from left Moon Landrieu, Pat Rooney, Stanley McDermott, Don Wetzel, and Don Murphy.
Fourteen years later, lightning struck again. Similar to the 1946 squad, the 1960 team was described as underdogs and a team with dogged determination. Sports editor Chip Geerken ’61 of The Blue Jay student magazine captured the team’s accomplishment this way:
When the doors of the gleaming jetliner opened, the thunderous ovation from the throng of New Orleanians welcomed the Cinderella team that would not be beaten, the team that was indomitable in spirit and firm in purpose, the team that won the World American Legion Championship. There were many reasons why this team, rated as average by the local experts, rose to the pinnacle of Legion baseball. Their coach had a fierce and unyielding confidence in them which inspired the boys to believe in themselves. Coach Trower recognized the importance of combining brains with brawn in baseball. A smooth, almost flawless teamwork generated the Jays’ drive to the top. There were no stars, no one-man exhibitions, but a team of dedicated young men who played a cool, calculating brand of ball.
Evidence of this big-league attitude is shown in the many times they came from behind to triumph. For the rest of their lives these boys will have the distinction of belonging to one of the two greatest baseball teams that ever emanated from Jesuit High School. Hail, then, to the Tulane Shirts — the best young ball club in the whole, wide world! Fifteen members of the 1960 team were present and recognized as part of the pregame ceremony on Baseball Alumni Day: Dale Boudreaux ’61, David Flettrich ’62, Charlie Grey ’62, Richie Hammel ’61, Joe McMahon ’60, Harry Morel ’61, Dick Roniger ’60, co-captain Chuck Staub ’60, Rusty Staub ’61, Johnny Stephens ’62, co-captain Lou Triche ’60, Taylor Wallet ’61, Bubby Winters ’61, and manager Cary McGovern ’62. Ed Stahel ’62, Bill Bassett ’61, and coach Kevin Trower ’52 were unable to attend. Pat Screen ’61 is the only deceased member of the team. Congratulations to these two great Blue Jay teams, the 1946 and the 1960 World Champions!
Base on Balls
Senior infielder Armand Daigle draws ball four in the 1st inning.
Hit and RBI Senior catcher Matt Robért records the first hit at the stadium when he hammers an RBI double to straight-away center.
Run Scored Daigle scores on Robért’s stand-up double.
Single
Sophomore infielder Spencer Miller hits it in the bottom of the 1st inning.
Triple
Hit By a Pitch
Senior designated hitter Michael Gogreve smacks a line drive into the outfield in the 6th inning and ends up with a triple.
Gogreve takes home this honor after being pegged in the third inning.
Strikeout
Senior right-hander Emerson Gibbs strikes out a Tiger in the 5th inning.
Home Run
Still waiting...
Winning Pitcher
Stolen Base
Gibbs pitches a complete game and is credited with the first win at the stadium.
Stolen Memento
Doctor in Dugout
Senior infielder Chris Prieur takes second base in the 6th Inning.
The street sign Blue Jay Way at the intersection of L & A Road disappears before the Grand Opening.
DiD you Know? The Times-Picayune picks the all-time ten best prep baseball teams in New Orleans. In addition to the top-ranked 1936 team, the 1946, 1960, and 1980 teams make the list.
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Longtime Jesuit team physician Joe Licciardi ’53 is in the dugout for all baseball games.
Opera singer and Philelectic Society alum Kirk Redmann ’79 belts out “The Star Spangled Banner” as the MCJROTC raises the flags at the stadium for the very first time.
TV Broadcast
WHNO-TV 20 televises two Jesuit games on Opening Weekend against Holy Cross and Shaw in a prep baseball showcase. The broadcast also features Jesuit baseball history and a “behind the scenes” tour of the stadium.
Blue Jay Fan Kevin Heigle ’69 strolls into Blue Jay history as the first fan to enter the ballpark.
john ryan stadium... 120 years in the making After two years of organization — and interruption thanks to Hurricane Katrina — Jesuit fields its first lacrosse team. Fans come to Will Clark Field on the Jesuit campus to cheer on the lacrosse Jays.
DECEMBER 28
jANUARY 7
Cold Storage Warehouse property, located off Airline Highway in Metairie, is purchased for $948,000 after owners had originally asked $2.75 million.
FEBRUARY 2
Bill Babin ’74 and Terry Billings ’74 launch Home Field Advantage Campaign. Contract is signed with Ryan Gootee General Contractors, L.L.C. and demolition begins.
OCTOBER 27 Facility design is finalized by Mathes Brierre Architects.
Jesuit High School of new orleans
www.jesuitnola.org
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SPECIAL EDITION
go figure 1 million dollars is largest gift to stadium project by Janet and John Ryan ’70 2 dugouts, batting cages,
and bullpens
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1,500 watt metal-halide
lamps illuminate night games and practices
1,652 cubic yards of
concrete used to pave ramps, walkways, and the pavilion
2,800 square-foot pavilion
3 meeting rooms housed
for alumni, parent, and student events
5 tons of structural steel 6.98 acres is the size of
85,536 square-inch digital video scoreboard with state-ofthe-art technology
in the grandstand
the tract where the stadium is located
8 million dollars — total
139,205 square feet of artificial turf that minimizes injury and drains quickly
cost of project
11 months of construction 233 parking spaces in a
paved and landscaped lot
622 seats in the elevated and covered grandstand 680 seats in the sideline
baseball FIELD DIMENSIONS
1,000 -plus anchor bolts
Left Field Line. . . . . . 320 feet Center Field . . . . . . 400 feet Right Field Line. . . . . 325 feet Power Alleys. . . . . . . 379 feet Turf. . . . . . . . . . . . . Artificial
bleachers
M U I D A T S
used in building grandstand and sideline bleachers
1,472 fans on Opening
Night The new multi-sport athletic field and stadium opened March 2, 2012 and features a covered grandstand and open bleachers, a press box, 139,205 square feet of artificial turf, an impressive wide screen digital video scoreboard, and a ticket booth and concession area. For the first time in Jesuit’s history, the Blue Jays truly have a
home field advantage.
numbers game
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Baseball Grandstand The elevated, covered grandstand seats 622 fans. Spectators are protected by safety netting above the padded backstop. The structure also houses three meeting rooms, accessible rest rooms, and a concession and merchandise sales area. Another fan-favorite feature (above) is the Jesuit “J” embedded in the field turf behind home plate.
Jesuit’s multi-sport athletic facility features a covered
Scoreboard One of the most state-of-the-art digital wide screen video scoreboards at a high school facility in the nation is housed at John Ryan Stadium, complete with a superior companion sound system.
Lighting System A sophisticated lighting system illuminates Alumni Field, allowing Blue Jays and their opponents to play night games.
grandstand, open bleachers, 139,205 square feet of
S TA D I U M
facility tour
artificial turf, a computerized lighting system, press box, and a pavilion. The $8 million complex will be used by Blue Jay baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby teams.
Sideline Bleachers Can seat 680 fans, used mostly for soccer, lacrosse, and rugby games. Artificial Turf The bleachers overlook Alumni FIeld, consisting of 139,205 square feet of artificial turf chosen because it helps to minimize injuries to players. The turf also drains quickly to keep the field playable during inclement weather. The multi-colored inlaid turf lines delineate the baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby playing areas. Jesuit’s many athletic teams will use John Ryan Stadium for practices and home games. (The one exception is that home varsity football games will continue to be played at Tad Gormley Stadium.)
Wally Pontiff, Jr. Pavilion The 2,800-square foot pavilion hosts alumni, student, and parent events.
Baseball Hitting Facility Features two covered and enclosed batting cages.
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bat
digital scoreboard
tin
gf aci l
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...A first class
multi-sport facility
VISITORS’ bullpen
ine el sid
blue jay bullpen
CH EA BL S ER
field configurations
PRESS
The artificial turf field can convert from one sport to the next with a few adjustments. Re-positionable goals and
BOX
BLUE JAY DUGOUT
GRAND
umpire meeting rooms
(Left) Rusty Staub with seniors Emerson Gibbs (left) and Armand Daigle at Morning Assembly. (Above) Athletic director Dave Moreau and Staub visit the Hall of Honors where a trophy case still displays memorabilia the Major Leaguer donated more than four decades ago.
ION
VISITORS’ DUGOUT
STAND
VIL PA IFF
NT
PO
team meeting rooms
CONCESSIONS
removable field markings, in concert with the permanent
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field turf lines, will allow the Blue Jay baseball, soccer,
clutch. When his team needed him most, he was there.
legend
football, lacrosse, and rugby teams to share the field,
landscaping
although not at the same time.
soccer
football
parking areas
lacrosse
rugby
Rusty and baseball immortal Ty Cobb were the only two players for many years (until Gary Sheffield recently joined them), who hit home runs in the Major Leagues before they were 20-years-old and after they turned 40. What is important and impressive to me about Rusty occurred after his playing days. He founded the Rusty Staub Foundation which provides education grants and operates an emergency food program for the less fortunate in New York City. His foundation provided support to 700 widows of police and firemen in New York who died in the line of duty before, on, and after 9/11. Rusty is a revered figure in New York City. And he is revered here at Jesuit High
DiD you Know?
Rusty Staub: First off, to [senior pitcher] Emerson Gibbs and the team, good luck tonight. I hope you guys have a great opening season playing in this new John Ryan Stadium. I had a chance to see this new stadium last night and it’s better than some of the places I played when I was in the minor leagues. I’m honored to be here and want to leave you with one thought. I came to school here and the fact is that Jesuit High School is different. The friendships I made here have always meant something to me. We have so many friends that take care of each other. There is always that talk about the “Jesuit Mafia.” Well, we exist. And it’s OK, because we care about each other. We are a family and it is one of the things that I am the
proudest of. You are not here to be somebody that idles his way through life. You are here to be the leaders. Some of you will have an opportunity to play sports, maybe not at the level that I did. But you will go to college and you will enjoy playing a sport. But the real purpose of this school is to build men, men that will be the leaders of this city and many other cities. So I want to wish you the best. I hope you hear that because the traditions of this school almost demand it. I’m looking at you guys and see the changes, and I think they are great. When I was a student here, we never had a “Blue & White Day.” It was always uniforms and ties. I can tell the camaraderie is still here. I’m honored to have graduated from this school and I hope that in the future, all of you feel the same way. Thank you very much.
john ryan stadium... 120 years in the making
DECEMBER 6
AUGUST 22
At official Groundbreaking Ceremony, Janet & John Ryan ’70 announce $1 million pledge to stadium project.
Workers begin installing artificial turf.
Jesuit High School of new orleans
School. It is a great honor for me to be able to say, “Blue Jays, please welcome Rusty Staub back home!”
NOVEMBER 11 Widescreen digital video scoreboard is installed.
MARCH 2-4 John Ryan Stadium opens its gates for the first time to an overflow crowd of 1,472 fans, beginning a new chapter in Jesuit athletics and giving Blue Jays the home field advantage for the first time in 120 years.
Sunday, March 4 of Grand Opening Weekend was Students and Faculty Day at John Ryan Stadium. What better way to display the wealth of hidden athletic talent among senior Blue Jays and Jesuit’s teachers than a serious softball game? Which team won remains in dispute. In their own words (and perhaps in their own minds), the captains of each team recount their experiences.
Life moves On As I sit here reflecting on the outcome of the first SeniorFaculty softball game held at John Ryan Stadium as part of its grand opening weekend, one feeling consumes my being: utter disbelief. How could my team of well-practiced, extremely athletic seniors lose to such a rag-tag army of teachers sporting faded Saints’ jerseys, “Where’s Waldo” costumes, lame baseball caps, and nerdy white tube socks? Every year, I was always shocked when I heard the announcements that, once again, Jesuit’s faculty had beaten another senior class in (fill in the blank sport). Since our pre-freshmen year, and each year thereafter, our class — the Class of 2012 — swore that when our turn came, we would defy fate and snap that teacher streak of wins.
mAN UP! Coaching the inaugural Senior-Faculty softball game played at John Ryan Stadium during the Grand Opening weekend celebration was certainly a positive experience. I was uncharacteristically relaxed as I warmed up my arms and began hitting grounders and fly balls to my players. My team was looking sharp — until Gary Wyss, an English teacher and my ace outfielder, misjudged a long fly ball. I didn’t think he was trying to catch the ball with his face, but he did.
by Travis W. Smith ’12
Captains Travis W. Smith ’12 and Travis I. Smith thumb wrestle to determine the designated home team.
Senior and captain of Team 2012
Game day arrived and so did my team. We were in tip-top condition. You couldn’t find 2% of body fat among all of our players combined. A similar claim could not be made by our opponents. In fact, it was just the opposite for the faculty team — excess body fat at every position to go along with their woeful lack of baseball skills. We played without mercy and paid no attention to the obnoxious pitching changes the faculty instituted every inning. We were focused on the task at hand and ignored our opponents’ overly enthusiastic hecklers. We seniors dominated — until the first biased officiating call came spewing forth from the mouth of the home plate umpire, who (surprise, surprise) happened to be a faculty member. In an instant, the seniors were struck
by Travis I. Smith
with a bolt of lightening, and there was not a cloud in the sky. We now understood the faculty’s secret weapons all these years — biased umpires strategically placed where they could do the most damage. Sadly, the mighty Class of 2012 was rendered powerless and defenseless, hapless and hopeless. In absolute astonishment that turned to incredulity (about as fast as when Coach Graham Jarrott closes the gap between his fork and palate), my beloved team began to unravel and to lose hope. It was not a pretty meltdown. Our perceptive opponents pounced when they saw my team’s dire predicament. Suffice to say that we seniors — a powerful, persuasive, and potent bunch, at least in our own minds — were held hostage by our teachers. We were denied
runs, robbed of base hits, and thrown out whenever our fleetfooted runners attempted to steal a base, any base. We slid, we out; we steal, we out; we walk, we out at second. We hit a double, we out because we didn’t touch first base. When did all of these rules creep into baseball? It is quite possible that instead of the customary three outs per inning, the seniors were given only two outs while the faculty enjoyed four outs. We had no say in the matter. Who publishes the official scores, anyway? That is correct, the faculty. So it goes. But we seniors know the truth, and we will shout it from the poolside cabana on the Jesuit rooftop. The true score — Seniors 6; Faculty 3.
English teacher and captain of Team Faculty
Bright-red rivulets of blood streamed down his countenance. I tossed him a stray sock to wipe the blood. And I barked like any good coach: “Man up, son, we need this game.” Someone yelled, “Play ball!” and we were down by two runs faster than Goose Gossage’s heater. Not for long. Coaches Wesley Laurendine and Gino Giambelluca each hit monster, tape-measure shots in the third inning, driving in badly needed runs. A few innings later, those two bat-wielding monsters did the
same thing. Special praise is deserved for our two pitchers who kept us in the game with an array of nasty throws: Tom Bagwill and closer Chris Jennings. Two legends. At Assembly on Monday morning, even Mr. Wyss’s large Mardi Gras shiner couldn’t keep me from feeling good about our win. Holding up our trophy in front of the entire student body, I shouted the score: Faculty 6; Seniors 3. The message was clear — bad news for the Class of 2013.
English teacher Gary Wyss catches a fly ball (and many strange looks) in his “Where’s Waldo” costume.
Support the Blue Jays and Own a Piece of Jesuit History
Participating in Jesuit’s Home Field Advantage campaign is a way to support the Blue Jays and ensure that John Ryan Stadium remains the state’s preeminent high school multi-sport athletic facility.
Personally inscribe your Stadium Brick.
DONATE NOW The easiest way to make your donation is by going to the Jesuit web site at www.jesuitnola.org. Then, click Donate Online to Jesuit in the upper left corner of the home page. You may also call Krista Roeling in Jesuit’s Office of Institutional Advancement at (504) 483-3839. For more information about major gifts and naming opportunities, call Tom Bagwill, director of institutional advancement, at (504) 483-3841.
Naming Opportunities Sideline Bleachers (Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse, and Rugby) $200,000 3rd Base (Diamond Club) $50,000 2nd Base (Diamond Club) $50,000 Left Field (Diamond Club) $50,000 Jesuit Alumni Field* $10,000 *Special recognition for 100 Blue Jays donating $10,000 each.
Giving Packages Blue “J” Car Magnet
T-shirt
Opening Weekend Commemorative Program & Baseball Tickets***
Collared Shirt**
Baseball Jersey with John Ryan Stadium Patch
Commemorative Wooden Bat
Single ($100)
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Double ($200)
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Triple ($300)
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Home Run ($400)
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Grand Slam ($1,000)
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**Choice of blue or white; ***Set of three in plastic sleeves
Inscribed Stadium Brick
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4133 Banks Street New Orleans, LA 70119
Parents of Alumni: If you are receiving your son’s copy of Jaynotes and he no longer lives with you, please let us know so we can update our database and send the magazine directly to him. Let us know if you enjoy reading Jaynotes. We will be glad to send a copy to his new address and a copy to you. E-mail changes to: alumni@ jesuitnola.org.