BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Virginia Tech Baseball team will play host to the “Jim Smith Family Fun Day” at English Field this Saturday, May 21 from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the final home game of the regular season versus Georgia Tech. There will be inflatable and carnival games for all children, and the first 150 kids at the festival will receive coupons good for a free Rita’s Italian Ice and cotton candy. “Jim Smith Family Fun Day” commemorative baseballs and wristbands will also be given away at the festival.

The “Jim Smith Family Fun Day” festival is being held in honor of Dr. James C. Smith, Jr. who passed away on May 8, 2010. Dr. Smith served as an Associate Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at Virginia Tech and was an avid fan of the Virginia Tech Baseball program. His wife, Linda F. Smith, has created a scholarship endowment, the James C. Smith Baseball Scholarship, which will be announced as she throws out the first pitch at the game Saturday.

“Jim Smith Family Fun Day” will be part of the “19 Ways” program in which the team has been charged with finding 19 ways to make a difference. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” said Virginia Tech head baseball coach Pete Hughes. “We are expected to take part on 19 different occasions to have a positive effect on someone or some organization during this school year.” The festival will be number 19.

In addition to the festival, the first 500 fans in attendance will also receive Virginia Tech drawstring bags. Player trading cards featuring the junior and senior classes will be given away at the marketing gazebo, and all fans are invited to participate in a post-game autograph session. First pitch is at 2 p.m.