Steve Peterson compiled stats over his 24-year career as head coach of the Blue Raiders that are hard to wrap your mind around

He posted 791 of his 944 career wins in Murfreesboro, won 11 regular season conference championships and nine conference tournament titles, resulting in nine NCAA regional berths. He was inducted into no less than five different Hall of Fames for his contributions on the field as a coach

But far more important to him than any personal honors were his players. On the field success was great, of course, with 44 First Team All-Conference selections and 12 All-Americans playing for his program during his time in Murfreesboro. Coach Pete mentored 71 players that eventually played professional baseball, including eight major leaguers. But those who played for Coach Pete will be the first to tell you he cared most about making them successful in life, regardless of where baseball took them

Now, this Friday, the Middle Tennessee baseball program will meet to honor the life of Coach Peterson, who passed away March 2020. The Celebration of Life will take place at Reese Smith Jr. Field at 6:30 pm, with gates opening for the event at 6 pm

"I am looking forward to celebrating Coach Peterson's life and legacy with his former players, family, friends, community and Blue Raider fans," Director of Athletics Chris Massaro said. "This is something we have wanted to do for quite awhile but circumstances have not allowed until now

"Steve Peterson touched a countless number of lives and not just those of the baseball players he coached, but people from all walks of life," Massaro said. "He genuinely cared about the needs of others. Coach Peterson groomed his players not only to be successful on the baseball field, but also in life. More than 50 of his players are coaching high school baseball and passing along the knowledge he bestowed in them. He was a player's coach who always got the most out of his players."

Former players are scheduled to speak during the ceremony, and an announcement regarding a project at the stadium honoring Coach Peterson will also be made

If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Tony Stinnett at stinnett@goblueraiders.com