Post by FIUFanatic on Feb 22, 2008 9:49:40 GMT -5
Nice write up by Harry Coleman on FIU's new baseball season, previewing it, including the obvious changes taking place, including the sprucing up of the Stadium.....
Sun Sentinel FIU Baseball Preview
Sun Sentinel FIU Baseball Preview
FIU PREVIEW: Turtle Thomas era begins tonight
By Harry Coleman | Special Correspondent
February 22, 2008
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Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Reprints Post comment Text size: Miami - A new era of Florida International baseball kicks off tonight as Turtle Thomas makes his head coaching debut against Southern California in the season opener.
Despite being a rookie head coach, Thomas is no stranger to the baseball world. The former Miami assistant coach and recruiting coordinator has coached in 14 College World Series, which is more than any other active coach in Division I.
Throughout his career, Thomas had several other opportunities to lead a team but waited until the right opportunity came along.
"I just felt like I knew [FIU Athletic Director] Pete Garcia very well and the type of leadership he would provide," Thomas said. "Pete has said that he wants baseball to be the top one or two sports at FIU that can lead the way and be the face of the athletic program. I felt all this was a great opportunity."
Players are counting on Thomas' experience to turn around a program that went 26-29 last season.
"[Thomas] has just brought a better approach than what he had before and I bought into this program from the first day," said infielder Tyler Townsend, who batted .338 last season as a freshman.
Senior right-hander Chris Allen (4-6, 5.69 ERA in '07) will get the start tonight against a Trojans team that is also in the middle of rebuilding. Despite winning 12 World Series, USC finished 27-29 last season and was picked to finish seventh in the Pac-10 preseason poll.
FIU will field a team with 17 new players and one that does not include the likes of James McOwen, Chris Dunn and Bryan Pullin, a trio that accounted for 229 hits, 162 runs and 122 RBI last season.
Thomas will look to Allen to provide leadership and stability for the young Panthers.
"With Allen being a senior he's been through the wars a little bit before and he's been at Clemson earlier in his career so he's kind of used to that big-game atmosphere," Thomas said.
Thomas has made sure part of the rebuilding process also includes University Park Stadium.
A new outfield wall with padding was put into place in January, replacing an outfield fence previously covered by windscreens. The stands were repainted this week as well as the interior part of the stadium. Carpet was added in the clubhouse and locker rooms, and a permanent sound system was installed.
"They are trying to make this a big-time Division I program, and they are well on their way," Allen said.
By Harry Coleman | Special Correspondent
February 22, 2008
Article tools
E-mail Share
Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Reprints Post comment Text size: Miami - A new era of Florida International baseball kicks off tonight as Turtle Thomas makes his head coaching debut against Southern California in the season opener.
Despite being a rookie head coach, Thomas is no stranger to the baseball world. The former Miami assistant coach and recruiting coordinator has coached in 14 College World Series, which is more than any other active coach in Division I.
Throughout his career, Thomas had several other opportunities to lead a team but waited until the right opportunity came along.
"I just felt like I knew [FIU Athletic Director] Pete Garcia very well and the type of leadership he would provide," Thomas said. "Pete has said that he wants baseball to be the top one or two sports at FIU that can lead the way and be the face of the athletic program. I felt all this was a great opportunity."
Players are counting on Thomas' experience to turn around a program that went 26-29 last season.
"[Thomas] has just brought a better approach than what he had before and I bought into this program from the first day," said infielder Tyler Townsend, who batted .338 last season as a freshman.
Senior right-hander Chris Allen (4-6, 5.69 ERA in '07) will get the start tonight against a Trojans team that is also in the middle of rebuilding. Despite winning 12 World Series, USC finished 27-29 last season and was picked to finish seventh in the Pac-10 preseason poll.
FIU will field a team with 17 new players and one that does not include the likes of James McOwen, Chris Dunn and Bryan Pullin, a trio that accounted for 229 hits, 162 runs and 122 RBI last season.
Thomas will look to Allen to provide leadership and stability for the young Panthers.
"With Allen being a senior he's been through the wars a little bit before and he's been at Clemson earlier in his career so he's kind of used to that big-game atmosphere," Thomas said.
Thomas has made sure part of the rebuilding process also includes University Park Stadium.
A new outfield wall with padding was put into place in January, replacing an outfield fence previously covered by windscreens. The stands were repainted this week as well as the interior part of the stadium. Carpet was added in the clubhouse and locker rooms, and a permanent sound system was installed.
"They are trying to make this a big-time Division I program, and they are well on their way," Allen said.
