Hannah Tamimi | Banner Savannah Miller, former catcher on the CBU softball team, is surprised by Jon Bengard, former pitcher of the CBU baseball team, with a marriage proposal.
Commitment is no stranger to Savannah Miller, California Baptist University alumnus and former catcher of the softball team.
Miller graduated in 2015 with a degree in kinesiology. She made such an impact on the team during her career that it was no surprise when she was invited to be honored after the first of two games against Adelphi University Feb. 20.
Miller’s success brought a multitude of memories on the field, and to her surprise, she had one more memory to make. Jon Bengard, CBU alumnus and former pitcher of the baseball team, proposed to Miller on home plate of John C. Funk Stadium at CBU.
Bengard graduated in 2013 and also had a successful career at CBU. In 2012, the right-handed pitcher was named the PacWest Pitcher of the Year and a National Christian College Athletic Association All-American in 2013.
Bill Baber, head coach of the softball team, said Bengard contacted him for help with the proposal and Baber said because so much of Miller’s time was spent at the stadium, it would be a perfect place to do it.
“We put our heads together about an idea and I thought, ‘Well, she’s a great alumnus, why don’t we honor her,’” Baber said. “We knew her parents were coming down to see London (Miller’s sister) play so I called her up and told her it would be a great time to honor her and it worked out really well.”
Baber said being a part of the proposal was a special moment for him.
“To be able to do it out here, two alumni with great careers; I’m glad they got to do it in front of their fans and family,” Baber said. “She and her family mean a lot to me.”
After accomplishing so much on the field, Miller said the idea was perfect.
“I am shaky and excited,” Miller said. “This is the biggest thing ever. Putting four years here, sweat and blood into this field; it’s the coolest thing ever.”
