Standing at mid-court at halftime of the Arizona Basketball game on Saturday afternoon, retired Arizona Softball coach Mike Candrea received a huge honor.
It has only been but a few months since legendary Arizona Softball coach Mike Candrea announced his retirement; however, his impact on the program and the University is still felt every day.
For the past three decades, Mike has been the sport of Softball. He fundamentally changed the game not just at the collegiate level, but internationally as well, and unfortunately, for the first time in 36 years, he will not be coaching the Arizona Softball program.
Now serving as a Special Advisor to the head coaches, Candrea will still be working behind the scenes, and come this season, it will be a particularly unique one in Tucson as some of Candrea’s former players will be taking over the program
Well, thanks to his impact on the program, Arizona Softball should be in good hands, and as a result, Mike was honored at halftime of the Arizona-Arizona State basketball game on Saturday afternoon.
Standing at half court where Lute and Bobbi were once honored, Mike received a similar distinction, as it was announced that Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium will also be named Mike Candrea Field.
Moved by the honor, Mike Candrea will see his legacy live on forever with Arizona Softball and Arizona Athletics.
Surrounded by his family and former players, Candrea was touched by the honor as they named Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium, Mike Candrea Field.
Speaking to a packed house, Candrea shared his appreciation, “What a lucky guy I am to represent this great university… you guys are the best in the world,” he said. Candrea continued, “I’ll share something from Lou Gehrig, ‘I’m the luckiest man in the world right now.’ Thank you.”
𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓 ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/KIkxR3H3Gi
— Arizona Softball (@ArizonaSoftball) January 29, 2022
And as fans of Arizona Softball, we are the lucky ones, we saw Candrea take over Arizona Softball, delivering won hundreds of wins, several College World Series appearances, and eight National Titles.