CSUB to Host 2026 Baseball Leadoff Dinner Ahead of Opening Day

Tickets are on sale now for the annual tradition that will feature MLB record holder Eric Gagne.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield Athletics has announced that the Roadrunner Baseball program will host its annual fundraising dinner – recently renamed the Baseball Leadoff Dinner – on Feb. 11, 2026, just two days before CSUB Baseball opens the 2026 season.

Previously known as the Hot Stove Dinner, the longtime tradition enters its second decade with a refreshed identity but the same mission: to connect Kern County with its Division I baseball team while raising funds to help the `Runners gain a competitive edge.

"I couldn't be more excited that the season is getting close and with that, we want to continue to give our players opportunities to interact with the community and Cal State baseball supporters," said Jordon Banfield, Head Coach of the CSUB baseball team. "As we continue to work to build this program into one that everyone is proud of, the new Leadoff Dinner format should offer more people an opportunity to attend as it's right before Opening Day and offered at a reduced price this year."

CSUB's annual Baseball dinner will feature former Major League Baseball closer Eric Gagne as the special guest and keynote speaker. Gagne started his 10-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 as a starting pitcher. After some early struggles, the Dodgers converted him from a starter to a reliever, where for three years (2002–2004) he was statistically the most outstanding closer in the game, finishing as the NL saves leader and the NL Cy Young Award winner in 2003. During that period, he set a major league record by converting 84 consecutive save opportunities.

Gagne went on to make three all-star appearances, winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2007. The phrase "Game Over" was heavily used by the Dodgers and the media in connection with his appearances and ability to finish close games. Gagne also played for the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers before retiring.

After relocating to the CSUB campus last year, the 2026 Baseball Leadoff Dinner will move off-site to Legends Event Center, a popular local bar and grill known for hosting community and sports-related events. The evening includes dinner, an open bar (21+), and a silent auction as well as the opportunity to learn about the 2026 CSUB Baseball team ahead of its season.

Tickets for the Baseball Leadoff Dinner are available now at GoRunners.com/Leadoff. Options include individual tickets or full table sponsorships with the opportunity to add on personalized autographs from Eric Gagne.

To secure your sponsorship now, call 661-654-2138 , or email gfiorentino@csub.edu. Payments may be submitted via mail to: CSUB Athletics, Attn: Gage Fiorentino, 9001 Stockdale Hwy, 19AW, Bakersfield, CA 93311

~GoRunners.com~

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