The University of Akron Athletics
Baseball Gears Up for Fall Season
September 16 | Baseball
– Coach Pat Bangtson and the Akron Zips baseball team are
enthusiastic about the start of the 2008-2009 Fall season.
The Zips returned to the diamond last week marking the start of
Coach Bangtson's fourth year with the squad. The Zips showed
improvement in last year's performance as they compiled an overall
winning record of 25-24 (the first time since 1997) with a 8-13
mark in the Mid-American Conference.
This fall season, the team looks to build on that success and
improve on their past accomplishments.
Coach Bangtson was excited to get preparations underway stating
that, "I'm excited to have the team back. We made great strides
last year breaking the .500 mark for the first time in eleven
years. We're looking to continue that improvement with the hard
work the team will contribute this fall."
The Zips return seven seniors, all of whom Coach Bangtson will
expect to play a large part in guiding the squad.
"I'm looking at our seven seniors as the leaders of this team. I
expect them to provide outstanding leadership both on and off the
field for the team."
Tom
Farmer (who was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers) returns for
his final year of collegiate ball joining Ryne
Romick and Frank Turocy on the mound for the Zips. Phil
Bednar and Ryan Frazee will assist in commanding the Zips'
infield while Matt Roberts and Brett
Savage will help anchor the outfield.
Fall ball marks two distinctive events for the Zips baseball team.
The annual Diamond Legends Classic fall golf tournament will be
held on September 27th and the Annual Blue and Gold Fall World
Series is scheduled for the week of October 6th. Additionally, the
team will host its annual fall Baseball Skills Camp on Saturday
October 4th.
Diamond Legends Classic Reminder – Saturday, September
27th
Coach Bangtson and the Zips invite all UA letterwinners, fans,
alumni and supports to participate in their fourth-annual golf
tournament, the Diamond Legends Classic with all proceeds
benefiting the UA baseball program. Registration will begin
promptly at 7 a.m. with tee times scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m.
Breakfast will be provided prior to play in the morning and lunch
will follow with awards at 1 p.m. Foursomes and pre-registration
are strongly encourage as the tournament is open to all UA alumni
in addition to the public. The registration form is attached and
available for download.
This year golfers and baseball supporters are invited to attend the
exclusive UA baseball alumni pre-game tailgate party at the Rubber
Bowl. The tailgate is scheduled prior to the football team's game
against Cincinnati. Kick off against the Bearcats is slated for
3:30 p.m. The tailgate costs only $10 and includes one game
ticket!
For more information about the Diamond Legends Classic or the
tailgate, contact Coach Simpson at 330-972-7277 or via email at
es28@uakron.edu.
Blue and Gold Fall World Series – October 6th
The week of October 6th marks the annual Blue and Gold Fall World
Series. The intrasquad scrimmage will serve as the lone fall
contest for the Akron Zips. Following tradition, the winners of the
series will be treated to steaks while the losers will eat hot
dogs! Monday and Tuesday's games are scheduled for an approximate
2:30 p.m. start time and will be played at Lee Jackson Field. While
Wednesday's game is slated for a 5 p.m. start and will be played at
local Canal Park, home stadium to the Akron Aeros (Double A
Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians).
If necessary, play will return to Lee Jackson field on Thursday and
Friday for additional games scheduled at 2:30 p.m.
Attendance is open and encouraged at all home events and practices,
which are scheduled daily at 2:15pm, Monday through Friday. For
more information, game recaps and fall updates please visit www.gozips.com.
Baseball Skills Camp – October
4th
The Akron Zips baseball team will host their annual Skills Camp on
Saturday, October 4th. There will be two sessions focusing on
pitching, catching, hitting, infield and outfield skills.
Session I will be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will focus on
infielder and outfielder instruction. Session II will run from
12-2:30 p.m. and will focus on pitcher and catcher instruction.
Players may sign up for both sessions at a discounted rate if they
wish.
Single sessions cost is $80 or players can sign up for both
sessions for a discounted rate at $100. Payments will be accepted
in the form of cash or check only. Checks can be made payable to:
University of Akron.
To register, complete the attached registration form above and mail
to:
Ernest Simpson, University of Akron, Stile
Athletics Field House, Akron, OH 44325-6302.
