The Virginia baseball team held it's 8th annual "Step Up To The Plate" fundraiser in John Paul Jones Arena for the first time Friday night. A sold-out crowd was on hand to see Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield as the event's guest speaker.

The fans were also able to get autographs from their favorite players, and participate in a silent auction.

Former Cavalier and current Major Leaguer Ryan Zimmerman was on hand as well.

Winfield was visiting Charlottesville for the first time, and says he's very impressed with the program.

"The things I read already, about Coach O'Connor, about the program," says Winfield, "really, in less than a decade, from also-ran, to a national power, well respected, it's very impressive."

UVA coach Brian O'Connor says, "This guy is one of the greatest ambassadors of our game right now, and those are the type of players you want to surround your players with, and surround your fans with."