Baseball | 9/19/2013 10:10:00 AM

DETROIT -- The Wayne State University Athletics Department and the baseball program have launched the .400 Club. The fundraising initiative is calling at least 400 WSU Baseball alums to support the baseball program in its efforts to raise funds to complete the Harwell Project.

"The number 400 has always held a great significance in baseball," stated Director of Athletics Rob Fournier. "Albeit a number special to the offense, the achievement of a .400 batting average is almost a mystical accomplishment reserved for some of the game's best. Like a 30-win season for a pitcher, the attainment sets you apart from everyone else. The campaign of 400 has that same objective - to set us apart from other baseball programs. The storied history of WSU Baseball includes its share of determination and frustration has a chance to be linked forever with one of the most prominent names in baseball and Michigan - Ernie Harwell."

"We hope you will join us in this effort," continued Fournier. "WSU Baseball has realized its past success as a team and now we need that same effort to accomplish this capital endeavor. Through a partnership with the Ernie Harwell Foundation, the WSU Baseball program has undertaken a project that will forever associate the legendary broadcaster with Tartar/Warrior Baseball. The effort has raised $1.4 million dollars to meet the phase one goal. Similar to the batter trying to "leg out" a few more hits to reach that coveted .400 milestone; it is our hope that 400 former WSU baseball student-athletes will "step up" to the challenge."

"Our baseball program was formed in 1941 and we have witnessed over 1,000 student-athletes suit up in the Green & Gold since," said head baseball coach Ryan Kelley. "The current WSU Baseball team is committed to striving for goals on and off the field, but also have respect and appreciation for those who came before them. Together we represent today's team and our University, but we also wear the W with a sense of pride and admiration for those who helped pave the way for us. As we prepare to move the program forward into the future while representing the legendary name of Harwell at our park, we need the help of our alumni team."

To join the efforts or for more information, please contact Assistant Athletics Director for Development Lauren Lepkowski at (313) 577-0241 or lauren.lepkowski@wayne.edu.