Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Midland Daily News
EMU Legend, Collins, Honored by Dodgers Affiliate, Great Lakes Loons
7/30/2022 12:49:00 PM | Baseball
Collins was an EMU baseball standout before going on to a successful managerial career in MLB
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MIDLAND, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University baseball alumnus and E-Club Hall of Famer Terry Collins was back in the Mitten State last Saturday, July 23, to be honored by the Great Lakes Loons, the High-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Collins, a Midland native, is considered to be one of the key figures that brought minor league baseball to the city 15 seasons ago when he was serving as the Dodgers' Director of Player Development.
The Loons honored Collins with a pregame ceremony, before announcing that the left field corner of Dow Diamond, the team's home stadium, would be renamed "Collins Corner." A large graphic on the outfield wall, featuring Collins' name and the number 10, his longtime managerial and playing number, was then unveiled in front of the crowd.
A number of EMU Athletics staffers made the trip to Midland to support Collins, including head baseball coach, Eric Roof.
"I think about everything that Terry Collins has done in this game of baseball - as a player, as a coach, and as a manager - to be honored in the city that you grew up in, it is just a really special occasion, and I couldn't be happier to come out here to support," offered Roof. "Terry is actively involved in our program and so supportive, so it is an honor for me to be here for him and be part of this very special day."
According to the Midland Daily News, it was Collins that first pushed the Dodgers toward Midland. In fact, Collins recalls enlisting Tommy Lasorda, legendary Dodgers manager and Pro Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, to help in his efforts. Michigan Baseball Foundation CEO, Bill Stavropoulos, echoed the important role that Collins played in the development of the Loons, noting "You cannot tell the story of the Loons without mentioning Terry Collins. His advocacy for Midland was pivotal in solidifying what has been one of the longest-running partnerships in Minor League Baseball."
A former baseball standout at EMU, Collins played shortstop for Eastern from 1968-71 and helped lead it to the 1970 NAIA National Championship. He was inducted into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1994. As an EMU shortstop, Collins led the team in steals in each of his four seasons with the program. He took home Outstanding Defensive Player of the Tournament honors for his play in the 1970 NAIA World Series.
Following his time at EMU, Collins went on to an impressive career in Major League Baseball. After stints in the minor leagues, Collins became the manager of the Houston Astros from 1993-96. He went on to manage the Anaheim Angels (1997-99), and the New York Mets (2011-17) before his retirement in 2017. Collins led the Mets to a National League championship and World Series appearance in 2015.
Collins has remained active in the game during his retirement, holding various broadcasting and consulting roles. He continues to support and follow EMU baseball and hopes to return to Ypsilanti this fall to meet with this year's team.
MIDLAND, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University baseball alumnus and E-Club Hall of Famer Terry Collins was back in the Mitten State last Saturday, July 23, to be honored by the Great Lakes Loons, the High-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Collins, a Midland native, is considered to be one of the key figures that brought minor league baseball to the city 15 seasons ago when he was serving as the Dodgers' Director of Player Development.
The Loons honored Collins with a pregame ceremony, before announcing that the left field corner of Dow Diamond, the team's home stadium, would be renamed "Collins Corner." A large graphic on the outfield wall, featuring Collins' name and the number 10, his longtime managerial and playing number, was then unveiled in front of the crowd.
A number of EMU Athletics staffers made the trip to Midland to support Collins, including head baseball coach, Eric Roof.
"I think about everything that Terry Collins has done in this game of baseball - as a player, as a coach, and as a manager - to be honored in the city that you grew up in, it is just a really special occasion, and I couldn't be happier to come out here to support," offered Roof. "Terry is actively involved in our program and so supportive, so it is an honor for me to be here for him and be part of this very special day."
According to the Midland Daily News, it was Collins that first pushed the Dodgers toward Midland. In fact, Collins recalls enlisting Tommy Lasorda, legendary Dodgers manager and Pro Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, to help in his efforts. Michigan Baseball Foundation CEO, Bill Stavropoulos, echoed the important role that Collins played in the development of the Loons, noting "You cannot tell the story of the Loons without mentioning Terry Collins. His advocacy for Midland was pivotal in solidifying what has been one of the longest-running partnerships in Minor League Baseball."
A former baseball standout at EMU, Collins played shortstop for Eastern from 1968-71 and helped lead it to the 1970 NAIA National Championship. He was inducted into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1994. As an EMU shortstop, Collins led the team in steals in each of his four seasons with the program. He took home Outstanding Defensive Player of the Tournament honors for his play in the 1970 NAIA World Series.
Following his time at EMU, Collins went on to an impressive career in Major League Baseball. After stints in the minor leagues, Collins became the manager of the Houston Astros from 1993-96. He went on to manage the Anaheim Angels (1997-99), and the New York Mets (2011-17) before his retirement in 2017. Collins led the Mets to a National League championship and World Series appearance in 2015.
Collins has remained active in the game during his retirement, holding various broadcasting and consulting roles. He continues to support and follow EMU baseball and hopes to return to Ypsilanti this fall to meet with this year's team.
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