HAYWARD, Calif. -- The 2016 baseball season has nearly arrived in the Hayward hills, and the Cal State East Bay Pioneers are kicking things off this Saturday, Jan. 30, with the annual alumni game. 

The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. at Pioneer Baseball Field, preceded by alumni batting practice at 11 a.m. There will also be a brief ceremony to honor the three former Pioneer baseball coaches, all of whom will be in attendance. 

Former Pioneer football players are also planning to reunite and grill up hot dogs during the game, thanks to football alumnus and Major League Baseball mupire Ted Barrett. At approximately 2:30 p.m., the players, coaches, and all alumni are invited to Bronco Billy's Pizza, just up Hayward Blvd, for a postgame social.

Former Pioneer baseball coaches Al Mathew, Doug Weiss, and Dirk Morrison, will throw out the ceremonial first pitches, along with former Pioneer quarterback Bill Neal.

In the event of rain, everyone is still invited to gather at Bronco Billy's, starting at 12 p.m. Check www.eastbaypioneers.com and follow @EastBayPioneers for weather-related updates.