Softball | 11/16/2016 9:53:00 AM

STATESBORO, GA. – Despite the seasonable temperatures this weekend, an annual tradition was renewed as Georgia Southern Baseball and Softball participated in the 19th Annual Buddy Ball event on Sunday, November 13th, at Statesboro's Mill Creek Park.

"Buddy Ball is always a great opportunity for us to get out and work in the Statesboro community," said Head Softball Coach Annie Smith. "We do this every year and our players always enjoy it because they love connecting with the kids and we get to represent Georgia Southern in a positive way."

With fall practice for both squads now in the books, the teams took time to partner up with a "buddy" and help them play a game of baseball. The teams made sure every child in attendance had a day to remember on the diamond.

Buddy Ball allows children with disabilities to take to the field, swing the bat and run the bases. The student-athletes from both teams served as a "buddy" for a disabled child, helping him or her to experience the game of baseball.

Eagle Baseball opens the 2017 season on February 17th with the first eight games of the season at a newly renovated J.I. Clements Stadium. Georgia Southern Softball hosts the Eagle Round Robin to begin the season, starting February 10th.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA. Fans can purchase tickets to Georgia Southern Athletics events by visiting GSEagles.com/Tickets.