Ceremonial first pitch to be thrown by former Bulls
The Bulls baseball team will honor past members of the program prior to each Saturday home game. John Buszka, Dennis Howard and Bill Monkarsh have been selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitches prior to Saturday home games.
Buszka, a member of the UB Athletic Hall of Fame, threw the first pitch before a contest against Miami (OH) on April 19. He led the nation in hitting during the 1976 season.
Prior to a match against Akron on April 26, the Bulls will honor Howard by giving him the privilege of throwing the first pitch. The Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round drafted Howard after his Buffalo career in 1980. He holds second place in Buffalo career history with five shutouts thrown.
When Ohio visits Buffalo on May 17, Monkarsh will have the honor in throwing the first pitch for that match. Monkarsh was head coach of the Buffalo baseball program from 1968-81. In that span, he compiled a record of 302-208-4. Monkarsh is most known for coaching the team who pulled off one of the greatest upsets in school history as the Bulls defeated second-ranked Miami (FL).
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
