University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Baseball Team Opens 2010 With Rain Soaked Practice
1/29/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Jan. 29, 2010
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The No. 21 ranked Southern Miss baseball team was scheduled for full practice today but was unable to work out due to the rain.
The Golden Eagles hitters were restricted to hitting in the covered cages but the team was not able to take the field.
While there is always excitement around baseball season at Southern Miss, this year the excitement level is higher than usual after last season's magical run to the College World Series and No. 8 final ranking.
Southern Miss returns 17 players from the 2009 team that won 40 games, the NCAA Atlanta Regional and the NCAA Gainesville Super Regional.
The Golden Eagles return five starters from last years squad and six pitchers who threw significant innings.
Returning in the field are senior catcher Travis Graves, senior infielder Joey Archer, senior infielder Taylor Walker, junior outfielder Tyler Koelling and sophomore outfielder Kameron Brunty, who earned Freshman All-American honors last year.
Archer will move across the diamond to third and Walker will play second this season.
BA Vollmuth and Adam Doleac both contributed last year and should have significant roles in 2010. Vollmuth started the final 23 games for the injured Brian Dozier.
On the bump Southern Miss returns the Preseason C-USA Pitcher of the Year and Preseason All-American in Todd McInnis. Other starting pitchers back for 2010 include senior Scott Copeland, senior Jeff Stanley and junior Seth Hester.
Preseason All-American Collin Cargill returns as the Golden Eagle closer and senior Cody Schlagel will once again be in the set-up spot.
The Southern Miss baseball program will hold the inaugural Baseball Fan Day at Pete Taylor Park on February 6.
The event will start with a free baseball clinic for kids age 4 through 13 instructed by the Southern Miss players and coaches. The clinic will start at 10:00 a.m.
At 12 noon fans will have the opportunity to meet the entire 2010 teams and coaching staff at an autograph session.
At 2:00 p.m. the 2010 Golden Eagles will take the field for a nine-inning scrimmage.
Throughout the day the Southern Miss mascot Seymour will be on hand for pictures and autographs. Assorted inflatables will be set up for children to enjoy along with drinks from Powerade.
-southernmiss.com-
