Baseball Team Opens Fall Practice Monday
10/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Oct. 9, 2006
Rice head baseball coach Wayne Graham welcomed back 14 returning lettermen from last season's team that reached the semifinals of the College World Series and a total of 14 newcomers to the roster as the Owls held their first fall practice of 2006 Monday afternoon (Oct.9) at Reckling Park.
The Owls return seven starting position players and six veteran pitchers who helped lead the team to a 57-13 record and the 2006 Conference USA regular season and tournament championships. Eight of the team's 14 newcomers are from the high school ranks while six are transfers from other colleges or universities. After a brief period of conditioning and drills, Graham divided the team for a Blue-Gray intraquad scrimmage. He was pleased with the team's physical condition for the first day of practice and stated two spots in the infield would get his closest attention this fall.
"It was great getting back out to practice," Graham said. "We have a lot of good players back and some new ones with a lot of ability. Everyone had a great attitude to get started and the new strength and conditioning staff had them report in great shape.
"Second and third base are spots where someone has a real shot to break in the starting lineup, but everything is open in the fall," Graham said. "We already know a lot about a lot of pitchers, but it's a real opportunity for a pitcher to show he deserves innings in the spring."