NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion Baseball will host its annual Step Up to the Plate fundraiser on Friday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Priority Automotive Club at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Funds raised will directly support ODU Baseball. Western Branch High School Coach Roland Wright will be honored as the 47th recipient of the Bud Metheny Award.
Named for the former ODU Head Coach and 1943 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees, the award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the game of baseball in Hampton Roads.
“Our Step Up to the Plate fundraiser has turned into an important part of our preseason,” said ODU Head Coach Chris Finwood. “It introduces our current team to our fans and supporters and also lets us honor this year’s Bud Metheny Award winner. It’s a fun evening of baseball talks and stories and has developed into a really neat connection between past and current players.”
Guests in attendance will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2025 ODU Baseball team and coaching staff. Individual tickets are $100 per person, which includes two drink tickets, food and an inside look at the Monarchs. To register, tickets as well as different sponsorships can be purchased here.
The 47th Bud Metheny Award Recipient, Roland Wright
A 1988 graduate of Great Bridge High School and a 1992 graduate of Bridgewater College, Wright recently finished his 20th season as Head Coach at Western Branch High School, where he led the Bruins to their fourth Virginia State Championship game in 2024 and has compiled a record of 311-123. The Bruins have captured two 6A state titles, appeared in four state championship games, and five final fours. His program has also won four regional titles, seven southeastern district titles, and three southeastern district tournament titles.
In his 20 seasons, over 50 players have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. He has also had six players drafted by MLB teams during this tenure, with one making it to the Major League level.
“Coach Wright is simply a legend amongst Virginia baseball coaches,” Finwood said of this year’s honoree. “He is one of the most respected baseball men I know and it’s an honor to call him my friend. He remains so humble while being such a positive influence on so many young men in the entire southside region. I’m so proud to have him accept this award and add his name to our distinguished list of former winners.”
For a list of all Bud Metheny Award winners, click here.
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