Support Red Hawk Baseball and Celebrate Alumnus Chris Roof '98 with special guest Nicky Cass!

Montclair State Baseball First Pitch Fundraising Dinner:

Date: January 24, 2026

Location: Conference Center, University Hall (7th floor)

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Ticket Cost: $125 per person (Includes Buffet Dinner and 3-hour open bar included in ticket price); $48 tax deductible

Registration Required: Please purchase your tickets on this site.

Sponsorships:  Can't make the event, or want to amplify your support? Check out the many sponsorship opportunities available. 

• Table Sponsor: Table of 10 - $1,000 
• Team Lunch Sponsor: $400 There are 10 team lunches needed for this spring
• Team Dinner Sponsor: $800 There are 11 team dinners needed for this spring

Alumni of Distinction - Chris Roof '98

Chris Roof is one of New Jersey’s most successful high school baseball coaches and a proud graduate of Governor Livingston High School and Montclair State University, where he won the NJAC Rookie of the year enroute to a 1993 NCAA National Championship.

Now in his 22nd season leading Governor Livingston, Roof has built a powerhouse program with over 500 career wins, four state championships, and a perfect 28–0 season in 2025—the first undefeated public school in 44 years.

A New Jersey State Coach of the Year in 2011 and ABCA National Coach of the Year honoree in 2025, Coach Roof is known for his leadership, discipline, and commitment to developing young athletes through trust, preparation, and hard work. 

His commitment to Montclair State baseball has never wavered and we are honored to celebrate his long-lasting legacy and accomplishments at this year’s first pitch dinner!

Key Note Speaker:

Nicholas Cassano, better known as Nicky Cass, is a content creator and entrepreneur whose journey is built on discipline, humor, and faith. A proud Montclair State graduate and former Red Hawk baseball player, Nick turned lessons from the field into the foundation of his creative career. Baseball taught him structure, grit, and how to navigate both success and failure — qualities that now fuel his life and work. 

After college, Nick expected to follow a traditional path, but the pandemic shifted everything. Leaning into what came naturally — storytelling and making people laugh — he began creating skits inspired by his Italian-American roots, baseball culture, and everyday life. His authenticity quickly drew a loyal audience, turning his content into a digital community that now reaches millions. As his platform grew, so did his purpose. Nick has partnered with major brands, spoken to young athletes and creators, and built a brand that blends comedy, motivation, and real-life connection. Through his viral series and public speaking, he shows that success isn’t about following a plan — it’s about trusting your instincts and putting in the work. 

Now returning to Montclair State, Nick comes full circle, sharing the same values that started it all: discipline, humor, and faith. To him, life — like baseball — is a game of adjustments, and if you keep swinging, laughing, and showing up, you’ll always end up where you’re meant to be.

Coaches Quote:

“Grab your teammates, your appetite, and your Red Hawk pride! Our First Pitch Dinner is set with Alumni of distinction Chris Roof and an awesome keynote from Nick Cassano. Let’s kick off the season together! Thank you all for your continued support of Montclair State Baseball!” - David Lorber, Head Baseball Coach