Joel Takes the Mound!

The GiGi’s Playhouse friendship with players on the Drake University Softball team started when centerfielder Tatum Aragon started her internship at GiGi’s Playhouse in August of 2025. In addition to leading or co-leading a wide range of GiGi’s programs, Tatum started bringing her teammates to GiGi’s for Fantastic Friends on Friday evenings. Happily, volunteering at GiGi’s turned into another team sport for our Lady Bulldogs.

When the Spring season was announced, Tatum was eager to schedule a game to spotlight GiGi’s and invite us to assemble a group to cheer them on.  “Play Ball” was set for Saturday, April 11, and the team pulled out all the stops for us.  The GiGi’s gang was invited on the field to sing the National Anthem before the game, and Joel Marcel was asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch – in style!  The public address played “Firework” by Katy Perry as Joel stepped to the mound to go to work.  For anyone who knows Joel, it was the perfect choice for his “walk-up” music!

Joel’s appearance served as inspiration and set the stage for a great game.  The Drake women beat the Southern Illinois Salukis, 10-7, in dramatic fashion!

Way to go, Joel, and thank you, Drake University Softball!