Purdue baseball hosted its eighth annual fan fest on Sunday afternoon in Mollenkopf Athletic Center, a reminder that the program is about more than just winning games. Fans had the chance to get up close with the players, get autographs, and share the field for the day as the Boilermakers plan to begin their 2026 season in the upcoming week.
Junior catcher, outfielder Ross Highfill, and senior catcher, outfielder Sergio DeCello, observe senior corner infielder Sam Flores play a game of Jenga with a young fan during Preseason Fan Fest on Sunday afternoon.Â
Claire Austin | Staff Photographer
Despite the freezing cold temperatures in the afternoon, hundreds of fans came to visit the indoor facility with anticipation. From cornhole and Jenga to on-field training setups with the players, the event was packed with activities that kept kids busy and smiling all afternoon.
Although the event is fun for fans of all ages, it is also something that the Purdue baseball staff looks forward to every year. Even head coach Greg Gloff described the event as one of his favorite days of the season.
“I get to sit right here and greet everybody that comes in, but see those, those little kids come in with a smile,” Gloff said.
Watching his players interact with the community and inspire junior ball players was an extremely rewarding experience for everyone.
Purdue baseball players await young fans who are lining up for autographs during their annual preseason fan fest at the Mollenkopf Athletic Center. The Boilers start their season against Portland on Friday.Â
Claire Austin | Staff Photographer
With an assist from Purdue baseball’s starting men, kids of all ages got to play catch, hit batting practice, and even have their speed measured on a radar gun. Families at the event conveyed their appreciation for how much the players interacted with the kids, with one family stating how much their kids enjoyed playing with real college athletes.
With the Boilers returning in the spring, events like these ensure fans aren’t just watching but truly feel like part of the team.
The Boilers will head to Texas for their first games of the season, beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday, for a four-day tournament beginning with Portland at the Triple-A stadium Constellation Field.
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