MLB Veteran Lance Johnson Headlines Triton’s Reunion at the Ballpark

MLB legend and former Trojan Lance Johnson will return to Triton College, where he played from 1981-83, to throw the first pitch during Reunion at the Ballpark.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Join us for an evening of Triton College pride, connection and baseball under the lights at Symonds-Puckett Baseball Field as the Triton College Alumni Association hosts “Reunion at the Ballpark” on Friday, March 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. The reunion celebrates the homecoming of Triton alums, including Major League Baseball (MLB) legend Lance Johnson, a former MLB standout with the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, who will throw the first pitch.

Before launching a celebrated 14-year MLB career, including time with both of Chicago’s MLB teams, Johnson was a Trojan. He patrolled the outfield for Triton College’s Baseball team from 1981 to 1983, helping lead the team to consecutive NJCAA World Series appearances and earning two first-team all-conference selections.

Johnson’s achievements at Triton earned him induction into the Triton College Athletic Hall of Fame, the Triton College Alumni Wall of Fame and the NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame. In 1992, he received an honorary degree from Triton.

Johnson began his professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1987 and went on to play for the Chicago White Sox (1988-95), New York Mets (1996-97), Chicago Cubs (1997-99) and New York Yankees (2000). He now returns to his Trojan roots to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Reunion at the Ballpark is part of the Triton College Alumni Association new initiative, Reconnect — Your Story Continues, which honors the legacy of Triton College’s first graduating class in 1967. The initiative invites alumni to share life updates, celebrate accomplishments and explore meaningful ways to stay engaged with the campus community.

“There’s something meaningful about seeing Lance return to Triton soil,” said Tina Lilly, director of Business Services. “He once patrolled our outfield as a student-athlete and now he’s coming back as a major league veteran. Having him throw out the first pitch is a powerful reminder of what can begin at a community college.”

Guests will receive complimentary giveaways while supplies last. Admission is $5 at the door.

###

Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.