INDIANAPOLIS- Members of the University of Indianapolis baseball team took off their gloves and rolled up their sleeves Thursday, as they were among the dozens of students and faculty to give blood at the UIndy “Gift of Life” Blood Drive.  The event was put on by UIndy for Riley, a student-run organization committed to raising awareness and money for Riley Hospital for Children.

UIndy Head Baseball Coach Gary Vaught was on hand to comment on the selfless act.  “What we try to preach to our kids is that it's important to give back,” said the Greyhound skipper.  “And I think that's something the whole university does well.”

“I asked the players if this was something they wanted to do, and they all said 'yes' without hesitation.  I know we all want to win ballgames, but it's nice to see our guys keep a healthy perspective on what's important in life.”

A long-time supporter of Riley Hospital, Coach Vaught starts his 18th season at UIndy this spring after a 29-19 year in 2011.  His current team started conditioning this week and will begin fall ball practice next Thursday.