The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Baseball Begins Team Practice Friday
1/28/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB baseball team takes to Young Memorial Field Friday as it begins spring practice in preparation for the 2016 season.
Practice starts at 1:30 p.m. Friday, followed by an intersquad game Saturday at noon and a second intersquad contest Sunday at 2:30 p.m. All three events take place at Young Memorial Field and are open to the public.
It is the first chance for fans to catch a glimpse of the season’s talent. This year’s roster features 14 returning lettermen and 13 newcomers to the program – many still fighting for a starting spot on the opening day lineup.
“Friday’s practice and the weekend intersquads give us more chances to evaluate our team,” head coach Brian Shoop said. “We have a young, talented team with plenty of positions left to fill. The intersquads will show us how our guys handle situational pressure and make in-game decisions.”
Among the Blazers’ returners, the roster is highlighted by Conference USA Preseason All-Conference team honorees Esteban Tresgallo and Thomas Lowery. Tresgallo, the senior catcher, led UAb with 12 home runs in 2015, while reliever Lowery boasted a 7-3 record in a team-high 27 appearances last season.
“It is going to be great to have the entire team together on the field for the first time,” Shoop said. “Fans have a chance to come out, see our prep and enjoy a beautiful weekend. Our practices are very up-tempo and a lot of fun to watch.”
Opening day for the Blazers is February 19 as they welcome Arkansas State to the Magic City. First pitch of the three-game series is set for 4 p.m. at Regions Field.
For more information on the UAB baseball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_Baseball). For more on all Blazer sports teams follow the official social media accounts of UAB Athletics on Twitter (@UABAthletics), on Facebook (Facebook.com/UAB.Blazers), on Instagram (@uabathletics) or on Snapchat (@uabathletics).
