LEXINGTON, Ky. ? For the University of Kentucky baseball team, the work at defending its 2006 Southeastern Conference Championship has already begun. That work takes another step into the fall practice season as the Wildcats begin fall ball Sunday.
Since school began in late August, Kentucky has been practicing in four-man groups for a limited amount per day. Beginning Sunday, the coaching staff can work with the entire team at Cliff Hagan Stadium. That work will include intra-squad games approximately four times per week with times still to be determined. The practice time should begin to allow head coach John Cohen and his staff to identify which players has the chance to contribute early to a team which consists of 20 talented newcomers.
Several new players to keep an eye on during the fall season are newcomers Sawyer Carroll (INF), Tyler Howe (C), Tyler Henry (RHP), James Paxton (LHP), Chris Walden (RHP), Kevin Bishop (OF), Brian Spear (INF), Aaron Lovett (RHP), Clint Tilford (RHP), and Neiko Johnson (INF).
The Collegiate Baseball Newspaper recently tabbed Kentucky?s 20-man recruiting class as 21st in the nation, ranking fourth in the SEC.
Kentucky returns 16 lettermen from its SEC Championship season. The team returns five position players who saw a regular role in the starting lineup last season: catcher Sean Coughlin (.325/17HR/55 RBI), shortstop Ryan Wilkes (.265/.937 FLD/26 RBI), and outfielders Collin Cowgill (.298/16 HR/61 RBI), Billy Grace (.297/6 HR/28 RBI) and Antone DeJesus (.323/11 SB/.433 OB).
Season Ticket Renewals Begin
Season-ticket holders from the Kentucky 2006 SEC Championship season can begin to renew their season tickets for the 2007 season. Fans can renew their season tickets online at ukathletics.com, by mailing in renewal form, or by contacting the UK ticket office (859) 257-1818. The renewal deadline for ticket holders from last season to secure their seats for the upcoming season is October 27.
New orders for 2007 season tickets can be placed now and seats will be allocated on a priority basis after the renewal deadline. Season tickets can be purchased for the reserved chairbacks section for only $35 and general admission season tickets are only $25.
2006 SEC Championship Team to Be Honored During South Carolina Game
During the Kentucky-South Carolina football game on October 7, the 2006 Kentucky squad will be recognized. The weekend will be a big one for the Kentucky baseball program, as the 2006 team will receive their SEC Championship rings during the game.
The weekend is also the bi-annual baseball alumni weekend, which involves such activities as an alumni golf scramble, a Keeneland trip, and a home-run derby/pre-game tailgate before the UK-USC football game.
