TEMPE, Ariz. - As Cam Skattebo strolled to the plate, fans cheered on the Arizona State legend in familiar fashion to his days on the gridiron.

“I’m just praying for no outs now,” Skattebo said. 

On the first pitch, the NFL running back sent a towering fly ball over the left field wall, tossing his bat to the sky in typical Skattebo fashion.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, the second Annual ASU Alumni Celebrity Softball Game took place at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, featuring Sun Devil icons including women's volleyball head coach J.J. Van Niel, Cam Skattebo and Detroit Tigers first baseman and ASU alumnus Spencer Torkelson.

“This is a blast,” Van Niel said. “I feel like I have a pretty good relationship with all the coaches, so when they reached out, it was a no-brainer.”

Torkelson expressed similar dedication to helping his alma mater.

“This program did so much for me,” Torkelson said. “I’ll do whatever I can to help this program out in the future. I love coming back, it’s a great time.”

In an effort to bring the ASU community together before the beginning of the 2026 baseball season, athletic director Graham Rossini continued this storied event, which did not disappoint. 

Popular social media icon Eric Sim, frequently known as The King of Juco, entertained fans with both his offensive and defensive presence.

After a pop-up sailed to third base, Sim dove but missed, resulting in a bruise appearing on his elbow. 

Then, in the very next inning, the King of Juco hit a monster homerun while trotting around the bases with the bat still in his grasp.

“It’s a blessing,” Sim said. “Big shoutout to ASU for having me out. It was just incredible.”

Playing alongside Sim were several Sun Devils who were inducted into the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame, including Dallas Escobedo.

The former No. 1 draft pick and 2011 NCAA softball champion revealed her gratitude for being included in ASU history.

“It’s not something I even thought about while playing,” Escobedo said. “Being able to still see my name as a part of Sun Devil athletics is something that will stay with me forever.”

ASU alumni pride shone throughout the morning, and former wide receiver Kyle Williams shared his appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of the program.

“The deciding factor to join ASU was that they were going to allow me to play both baseball and football,” Williams said. “There was no money involved; they offered you a chance to reach your dreams and a platform to accomplish it.”

Most of the alumni on the field represented ASU at the professional level, but very few also played for their country. 

Legendary Sun Devil baseball player Jeff Larish, on the other hand, played on the national stage in the Pan American Games as a part of Team USA.

“There's nothing like putting on the stripes and representing your country,” Larish said, “And to be able to do it with Dustin Pedroia, two Sun Devils together was a tremendous experience.”

While most of the performers were storied athletes at ASU, Kyle Dodd made the most of his time on the field, serving as the voice of Sun Devil Radio. 

Dodd grew up playing pick-up basketball with Kenny Dillingham, seemingly watching modern ASU athletics unfold before his eyes.

“I feel privileged to be out there with a lot of better athletes than me,” Dodd said. “It’s really cool to see everybody come out and give back to the ASU organization."

In total, former student-athletes acknowledge the opportunities provided not just on the field but also in the classroom. Former wide receiver Kyle Williams entered the record book with his elite receiving performances, but also won the Bill Kajikawa Award, given for excellence in academics, athletics and leadership.

“I’m super thankful for the resources at ASU, including the top-tier academic coaches and nutrition,” Williams said. “I give credit to my coaches who showed excellence across the board.”

An amazing day filled with beautiful weather, ASU legends and excited fans made it an event to remember in Tempe.

“It’s great to have a chance to be a part of a cool event,” Dodd said. “Enjoying good weather, a great Sunday afternoon and ready to kick off some ASU baseball.”