The Home Run Pledge Is Back

[SubGod22]

And I'm thinking about participating this year.

Go Shockers - Take the Shocker Home Run Pledge

Support your Wichita State student-athletes in a unique and exciting way by making a Home Run Pledge. Fans can pledge to donate their own customized dollar amount for every homer that Wichita State Baseball and/or Wichita State Softball hit in 2024.

To participate, select a dollar amount that includes $1, $5, $10, $25, $50 or $100. At the end of the season, donors will be charged their pledge amount multiplied by the total number of home runs hit by WSU players. For reference, the baseball team hit 72 home runs last season, while the softball team hit 70.

Donations are tax-deductible and go directly to the baseball or softball program. As an added bonus, donors will receive one Shocker priority point for every $250 donated.

One-time donations are also accepted and appreciated and there are also matching gift opportunities. To do so, tap the following link: Wichita State Athletics Scholarships | Support Shocker Success

To make a Baseball Home Run Pledge, click on this link and to make a Softball Home Run Pledge, click on this link and then follow these steps:

It's a fun way to give something back and support what very well may be the best athletics program on campus.

[SubGod22]

Officially signed up to donate. I hope they take a few thousand off of me this season.

[SubGod22]

After the comments from Coach B, I have officially reached out to WSU/SASO to unpledge my donation and informed them as to why and that I will be instructing Capital One not to pay it and that they have already been contacted about it.

It's a shame that I was honestly excited to donate money that I would be better off keeping for myself and my future endeavors and Coach has officially made me do a 180.

[1972Shocker]

After the comments from Coach B, I have officially reached out to WSU/SASO to unpledge my donation and informed them as to why and that I will be instructing Capital One not to pay it and that they have already been contacted about it.

It's a shame that I was honestly excited to donate money that I would be better off keeping for myself and my future endeavors and Coach has officially made me do a 180.

That is pretty significant if you in fact are pulling a $2,000 donation as I think you mentioned elsewhere. I would guess something like that would easily put you in the top 10% of donors to the softball program. So that should get some attention.

I did not do the home run pledge this year and I have to admit I am no longer a very significant financial donor to WSU athletics (by necessity) so I don't really expect for my opinions to draw much attention. However, I did just cancel my $50 per month membership to the Wheat Shock NIL Collective. I can always reinstate that but for now it is my main way of sending my small message.

I guess I should let ADKS know the reason behind that decision even though it is a relatively insignificant amount for WSU.

[BAShocker]

72…imo, you should. KS needs to know, and actually I think would appreciate knowing.

There are so many ways I want to respond to KB. For now, I am going to simmer, and keep my sarcastic mind turned down. This whole thing is absurd.

[Stickboy46]

That is pretty significant if you in fact are pulling a $2,000 donation as I think you mentioned elsewhere. I would guess something like that would easily put you in the top 10% of donors to the softball program. So that should get some attention.

I did not do the home run pledge this year and I have to admit I am no longer a very significant financial donor to WSU athletics (by necessity) so I don't really expect for my opinions to draw much attention. However, I did just cancel my $50 per month membership to the Wheat Shock NIL Collective. I can always reinstate that but for now it is my main way of sending my small message.

I guess I should let ADKS know the reason behind that decision even though it is a relatively insignificant amount for WSU.

One of the pushes is to fund NIL with a significant amount of "insignificant" donations. So you absolutely need to let ADKS know why you are pulling your donation.

[SubGod22]

If it makes you feel any better, I've sent an email to the AD respectfully explaining why I'm pulling my pledge from the program.

[1972Shocker]

My email has been sent to ADKS to explain as respectfully as I could why I cancelled by NIL membership and why I thought Coach Bredbenner and Mike Kennedy were off base on this one.

BTW, I don't really expect much to come from it.

[Onegreatracer]

That is pretty significant if you in fact are pulling a $2,000 donation as I think you mentioned elsewhere. I would guess something like that would easily put you in the top 10% of donors to the softball program. So that should get some attention.

I did not do the home run pledge this year and I have to admit I am no longer a very significant financial donor to WSU athletics (by necessity) so I don't really expect for my opinions to draw much attention. However, I did just cancel my $50 per month membership to the Wheat Shock NIL Collective. I can always reinstate that but for now it is my main way of sending my small message.

I guess I should let ADKS know the reason behind that decision even though it is a relatively insignificant amount for WSU.

This is why it’s important to mark where you want your NIL funds to go.

[SubGod22]

If it makes you feel any better, I've sent an email to the AD respectfully explaining why I'm pulling my pledge from the program.

Received an email response today at 11:04.

Thanks so much for your email and candid thoughts. As we all know, we work in, support, follow, etc. an industry that at times is driven by passion and emotion…that’s what is great about it and at times, that cuts both ways. I can assure you our mission is first and foremost in our minds…to develop young people and programs through first class service to our coaches, student-athletes and Shocker Nation.

As much as we encourage 18-22 year old student-athletes to avoid specifics on message boards, chat rooms, social media comments, etc. – because at times (not all times) it can be highly unproductive to their development – unfortunately when they engage in that space it can have a detrimental impact; of which our coaches, administrators and support staff are responsible for helping our young people navigate. As those of us who have walked a longer journey likely understand, navigating relevant and constructive criticism as a typical 18-22 year old is challenging enough, much less the less constructive criticism and/or at times (not all times) toxic environments that have unfortunately become commonplace through the broad spectrum of social media platforms today. Let me be clear, I’m not applying the adjective “toxic” to any specific social media platform and/or group, but using the term with more general intentions.

As we know, most polarizing, passionate and emotional conversations/viewpoints tend to reside at the extreme ends of the spectrum and as you mentioned (at times, not all times) message boards, chat rooms, social media, etc. can be very polarizing. We are all challenged with “managing the middle” despite an environment that might be fraught with extreme viewpoints. We won’t be perfect in that – no one is – however, we will make best effort to continue forward with character, integrity, understanding our core mission of first-class service to a widely diverse group of constituents.

Thank you for your valued past, present and future support of our 15 (soon to be 16) sports programs, and the 260+ young people who develop within them. We are making great strides academically, within the community and athletically…and there are many great stories to share/tell. We look forward to telling those great stories in unique and strategic ways. Should you desire to discuss further, my cell phone is listed below, and I would welcome a conversation. Take care and my best,

Kevin


He probably responded in the most diplomatic way that he can and addressed nothing while doing it. I honestly wasn't expecting any sort of reply and just wanted to make sure I was heard and why my money wouldn't be going towards the program.

I'm still quite frankly shocked at the unprompted and unprovoked words that came from Coach B and the horribly broad brush she used to paint everyone as an idiot and troll despite claiming to have never read anything.

I will continue to support the program however I can, except financially. I still feel if the leader of the program thinks I'm a no good idiot then her and her program don't deserve any future monies from me. Maybe should she ever somehow address the issue down the road and soften her stance on all of us know nothing trolls I'll reconsider. Maybe.

[1972Shocker]

Received an email response today at 11:04.

Thanks so much for your email and candid thoughts. As we all know, we work in, support, follow, etc. an industry that at times is driven by passion and emotion…that’s what is great about it and at times, that cuts both ways. I can assure you our mission is first and foremost in our minds…to develop young people and programs through first class service to our coaches, student-athletes and Shocker Nation.

As much as we encourage 18-22 year old student-athletes to avoid specifics on message boards, chat rooms, social media comments, etc. – because at times (not all times) it can be highly unproductive to their development – unfortunately when they engage in that space it can have a detrimental impact; of which our coaches, administrators and support staff are responsible for helping our young people navigate. As those of us who have walked a longer journey likely understand, navigating relevant and constructive criticism as a typical 18-22 year old is challenging enough, much less the less constructive criticism and/or at times (not all times) toxic environments that have unfortunately become commonplace through the broad spectrum of social media platforms today. Let me be clear, I’m not applying the adjective “toxic” to any specific social media platform and/or group, but using the term with more general intentions.

As we know, most polarizing, passionate and emotional conversations/viewpoints tend to reside at the extreme ends of the spectrum and as you mentioned (at times, not all times) message boards, chat rooms, social media, etc. can be very polarizing. We are all challenged with “managing the middle” despite an environment that might be fraught with extreme viewpoints. We won’t be perfect in that – no one is – however, we will make best effort to continue forward with character, integrity, understanding our core mission of first-class service to a widely diverse group of constituents.

Thank you for your valued past, present and future support of our 15 (soon to be 16) sports programs, and the 260+ young people who develop within them. We are making great strides academically, within the community and athletically…and there are many great stories to share/tell. We look forward to telling those great stories in unique and strategic ways. Should you desire to discuss further, my cell phone is listed below, and I would welcome a conversation. Take care and my best,

Kevin


He probably responded in the most diplomatic way that he can and addressed nothing while doing it. I honestly wasn't expecting any sort of reply and just wanted to make sure I was heard and why my money wouldn't be going towards the program.

I'm still quite frankly shocked at the unprompted and unprovoked words that came from Coach B and the horribly broad brush she used to paint everyone as an idiot and troll despite claiming to have never read anything.

I will continue to support the program however I can, except financially. I still feel if the leader of the program thinks I'm a no good idiot then her and her program don't deserve any future monies from me. Maybe should she ever somehow address the issue down the road and soften her stance on all of us know nothing trolls I'll reconsider. Maybe.

I received the exact same email today in response to my email regarding the Bredbenner-Gate issue. Mine came in at 11:05 am.

[SubGod22]

I received the exact same email today in response to my email the Bredbenner-Gate issue. Mine came in at 11:05 am.

I figured it was something like that.

Makes sense as to why nothing was addressed in a direct way, or even semi-direct way outside of talking about online outlets in general.

[Stickboy46]

Received an email response today at 11:04.

Thanks so much for your email and candid thoughts. As we all know, we work in, support, follow, etc. an industry that at times is driven by passion and emotion…that’s what is great about it and at times, that cuts both ways. I can assure you our mission is first and foremost in our minds…to develop young people and programs through first class service to our coaches, student-athletes and Shocker Nation.

As much as we encourage 18-22 year old student-athletes to avoid specifics on message boards, chat rooms, social media comments, etc. – because at times (not all times) it can be highly unproductive to their development – unfortunately when they engage in that space it can have a detrimental impact; of which our coaches, administrators and support staff are responsible for helping our young people navigate. As those of us who have walked a longer journey likely understand, navigating relevant and constructive criticism as a typical 18-22 year old is challenging enough, much less the less constructive criticism and/or at times (not all times) toxic environments that have unfortunately become commonplace through the broad spectrum of social media platforms today. Let me be clear, I’m not applying the adjective “toxic” to any specific social media platform and/or group, but using the term with more general intentions.

As we know, most polarizing, passionate and emotional conversations/viewpoints tend to reside at the extreme ends of the spectrum and as you mentioned (at times, not all times) message boards, chat rooms, social media, etc. can be very polarizing. We are all challenged with “managing the middle” despite an environment that might be fraught with extreme viewpoints. We won’t be perfect in that – no one is – however, we will make best effort to continue forward with character, integrity, understanding our core mission of first-class service to a widely diverse group of constituents.

Thank you for your valued past, present and future support of our 15 (soon to be 16) sports programs, and the 260+ young people who develop within them. We are making great strides academically, within the community and athletically…and there are many great stories to share/tell. We look forward to telling those great stories in unique and strategic ways. Should you desire to discuss further, my cell phone is listed below, and I would welcome a conversation. Take care and my best,

Kevin


He probably responded in the most diplomatic way that he can and addressed nothing while doing it. I honestly wasn't expecting any sort of reply and just wanted to make sure I was heard and why my money wouldn't be going towards the program.

I'm still quite frankly shocked at the unprompted and unprovoked words that came from Coach B and the horribly broad brush she used to paint everyone as an idiot and troll despite claiming to have never read anything.

I will continue to support the program however I can, except financially. I still feel if the leader of the program thinks I'm a no good idiot then her and her program don't deserve any future monies from me. Maybe should she ever somehow address the issue down the road and soften her stance on all of us know nothing trolls I'll reconsider. Maybe.

Interesting... As mentioned.. Doesn't really even mention the issue that is causing people to pull their support. Just a vague "way of the world" type email.

[Onegreatracer]

Interesting... As mentioned.. Doesn't really even mention the issue that is causing people to pull their support. Just a vague "way of the world" type email.

Pretty sick and tired of hearing about the new “way of the world”

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

I figured it was something like that.

Makes sense as to why nothing was addressed in a direct way, or even semi-direct way outside of talking about online outlets in general.

I think he directly (but indirectly) addressed the issues (not all issues) and while some (not all) were addressed (or not addressed), the end result was as expected (or unexpected).