Fall Classic celebrates its 25th anniversary

The Jerry Gardziel Fall Classic is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend.

The annual event begins today and runs through Sunday at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge.

The Classic remains a staple among Virginia’s finest baseball and softball players.

The late Players hosted the first Fall Classic in 1985 to showcase his Potomac Senior High School baseball players to college coaches and professional baseball scouts.

Players was famous for placing his players in college through an aggressive approach of getting them publicity, letting colleges know of player interest and most important of all, developing his players and winning ball games and championships.

His teams were always successful in Virginia and frequently ranked nationally. The Classic’s tremendous successes moved the event from its home at Potomac High School to Pfitzner Stadium in 1990.

Since 1996, the Classic has contributed more than $38,000 to various organizations and high school programs such as the PLAY Foundation, Prince William Special Olympics, Dumfries Little League, Potomac High School, Woodbridge Senior High School, Mid Atlantic Umpires Association, Bull Run Officials Association, The Molinari Foundation and the American Red Cross.

The Classic has also awarded $15,000 in scholarships to Prince William County students through the Jerry Gardziel Memorial Scholarship program, established in memory of the teacher, coach and community leader in the country for 29 years.

Whether on the field or in the classroom, Gardziel’s personal philosophy was, “There is no ‘I’ in TEAM.” The scholarship is awarded to student-athletes who best exemplify the qualities of teamwork, dedication and a commitment to excellence on and off the field.

The winners for the 2010 season were Michael Judge of Potomac and Kyle Toomey of Woodbridge.

The Classic that Players founded has something for everyone.

•  Players looking to showcase their talent for college coaches and major league scouts have that opportunity.

• Playing against teams from across the country, athletes get a glimpse of what they will hope to see in the future.

• College coaches and major league scouts have a golden opportunity to see many of the top-rated high school baseball players in the country.

• Vendors of baseball and softball equipment have a golden opportunity to showcase their wares before an enthusiastic audience over the course of three days.

 Gardziel created his Classic to see others succeed in the sport that he loved. His efforts continue to make a profound impact on students and baseball players across the country, as shown by this weekend’s event.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.