Sooners Thrill the Crowd at Halloween Game

NORMAN, Okla. - The University of Oklahoma baseball team saw huge success in its second annual ALS Awareness Halloween game on Thursday night. The game is the team's marquee fundraising event for the fall semester. The Sooners played an intra-squad scrimmage in front of a crowd estimated between 600 and 700 fans that came out to L. Dale Mitchell Park.

Children dress in costume along with fans had the opportunity to meet with the 2015 Sooners as well as the coaching staff. Head coach Pete Hughes, in his second year at OU, dressed up as Toby Keith. The crowd was all in shock when the real country music star came out and threw the first pitch of the game.

Before the game, children were invited down to field to stand with the players during the national anthem. Throughout the game, the student-athletes interacted with the crowd as they handed out candy to the children and fans throughout the stadium.

During the game, players remained committed to their characters with on-and-off the field antics. Fans watched as the robber stole second base and was handcuffed, UP characters lost their balloons and a moose ran on all fours.

Following his popular Napoleon Dynamite costume in 2013, sophomore right-hander Jake Elliott took to the mound as Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn from Major League.

Senior right-handed pitcher Robert Tasin, dressed as a basketball hoop, hit the only home run of the game.

All proceeds of the game, which were raised through donation and t-shirt sails, go to the ALS Association.

Fall ball continues when Oklahoma hosts Trinity (TX) next Friday at 6:00 pm. Admission is free. The Sooners will also play a five-game, intra-squad world series beginning November 14.