Section B·Page 2
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday. February 9, 2000
Sports Columnist Jason Walker sports@kansan.com
Some like the college game...
What should University of Kansas students be thinking about here in the middle of February?
That's right, the Jayhawk baseball season begins Saturday, and even though it's going to be cold this weekend, students should start going to baseball games and support our men in the dugout.
Baseball, of course!
Why? It's simple.
10. At least you won't be as cold as the players. These guys get an unpleasant stinging sensation every time they hit the ball with their aluminum bats. Sure, they wear batting gloves, but trust me, it still hurts.
9. Reward the team's hard work. These guys practice all year for a sport that isn't too winter-friendly. They also are Jayhawks, and need support just as bad as the basketball team.
B. A beautiful ballpark. The renovations made to Hogglund Ballpark give Kansas an alluring venue to attract recruits and a great place to watch baseball. It's not Wrigley Field, but for Kansas it's the next best thing.
6. The Jayhawks can't be any worse than they were last year. After posting a 14-40 record, including home losses to Baker and Oral Roberts, and going 4-26 in the Big 12 Conference, the "Hawks only can improve."
7. Suntan factor. On those warm spring days, there isn't better place to get that golden tan than at the ballpark. You'll want to wear shorts, and on those first few nice days of spring, there's no better feeling in the world.
5. Baseball is America's pastime. Sure, professionals make millions in a watered-down major league, but these guys play for the love of the game. Some even play without receiving full athletic scholarships. Now that's something that could make the old-timers of baseball proud.
4. The Big 12 is loaded with talent. Six teams in the Big 12 are ranked in the Top 25. Most likely, a team will play Kansas at home that will go on to play in the College World Series. Kansas is scheduled home games with nationally-ranked Texas Tech and Texas A&M, along with perennial baseball powers Creighton and Wichita State.
3. The ballpark atmosphere Where else can you get away with eating peanuts out of the shell and spit sunflower seeds all over the place? You might even be lucky enough to catch a foul ball. Take your mitt.
2. Admission is free for students. Not only will your KUID get you into the game for nothing, so this year's home games are during the afternoon. And that won't interfere with that night's bar regimen.
And finally, the No. 1 reason why you should go to Kansas baseball games this spring... Quarter Dog Day. Anywhere you can get four hot dogs for a buck should be a national landmark. At a major league game, a dog will run you at least $2.50 each. You can buy TEN for that price on quarter day day! And remember, the condiments are free!
So try to make it to at least one game this spring. If it's a nice day and you've got nothing to do, stop by the ballpark, just south of Allen Fieldhouse. It will be a good experience, I promise you.
And don't forget the sunflower seeds — a baseball necessity.
Take me out to
Walker is a Mulvane junior in journalism.
Photo contributed by Kansas sports info.
Kansas lineup to combine veterans with newcomers
By Amanda Kashube
sports@kansan.com
Kansan sportswriter
Maybe the Kansas baseball team has been working too hard. After all, the players and their coach Bobby Randall, have set their goals on a Big 12 Conference Tournament berth — and they aren't kidding.
"We're going to win the Big 12, then go on to the College World Series," said Brandon O'Neal, junior pitcher. "We have a lot of talent, and we have a good chance if we all believe."
But that could be a tough task in a conference that already has six of its eleven teams ranked in the Top 50 in preseason polls. Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Nebraska will be among the top schools that will be ready for Kansas' challenge.
"Last year we got down early in all of our areas — offense, defense and pitching," said Rusty Philbrick, senior pitcher. "We didn't play to our ability. We just need to go out there and play hard. We have to win the first game."
Randall agreed that the Jayhawks had a long road ahead of them.
and outfield, and have brought 18 new players onto the team. Randall said all of that would help the team surprise a lot of people.
"We're going to try and play good baseball and not give up until it's over," he said. "You can have a good team and not have a winning record because of the tough competition in the conference. We have our work cut out for us."
After finishing last season 14-40 and 4-26 in the Big 12, the Jayhawks have gained the experience and motivation they lacked last season. They return nine to the mound, most of their infield
"We're so pleased with the good nucleus of returners we have back," he said. "The obvious improvements from last year are depth — both on the mound and in the field, along with catching and team speed. All of our veterans came back better players this fall. This is probably the hardest working team we've ever had. We've got a lot to prove."
"He throws pretty hard so we're going to use him."
Bobby Randall Kansas coach on using John Nelson at closer
Starting shortstop John Nelson will see time on the mound as a closer. Photo by Nick Krug/KANSAN
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