PURCHASE, N.Y. – Past and present Panthers came together on the Purchase diamond for the annual Baseball Alumni Game under the lights on Saturday night.  

Nearly 30 alumni traveled from all over to honor former teammate and friend, Dominick Simone '11, and to take on the current Panther squad in a 7-inning game. 

Simone, a former four-year member of the team and standout third baseman, passed away on June 30 of this year.

His parents, June and Vincent, never missed a game throughout his tenure at Purchase and the same could be said for Saturday's matchup. Both mom and dad, along with other family members, braced the chilly evening air as their son's former teammates played the game in his honor. 

Prior to the first pitch, former head coach Bill Guerrero welcomed Simone's family onto the field. He shared stories from Simone's time at Purchase and how impactful he was to the Panther baseball program. Nostalgic for some and inspirational to all, Guerrero's words painted the perfect picture of the kind of player and person #5 Dominick Simone was. Guerrero also presented the family with a gift from the team and funds raised in Simone's name for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health).

Following the ceremony, the current Panther squad coached by Adam Taraska and the alumni team led by Guerrero geared up for the top of the first inning. 

The alumni held an early lead but it would be the current team that held on for the win. 

Taraska was thrilled with number of former players that came out for the event and was impressed to see the talent they still bring to the game.

Following Saturday's game, Purchase returned to the diamond on Sunday for a scrimmage against Westchester Community College.