Rebel baseball prepares for opener

sports information

The Ole Miss baseball team started its preparations for the 2000 season by holding two, two-hour workouts Monday at Oxford-University Stadium/Swayze Field.

Fourth-year head coach Pat Harrison returns a nucleus of five position starters and two weekend starting pitchers from last year's team that finished 34-28 and advanced to the NCAA Regionals.Harrison is hoping the Rebels can parlay that experience in to a return trip to the NCAA Tournament.

"I'm excited about the team we have coming back," Harrison said following Monday's morning practice.

"We have guys returning that not only have experience playing in the SEC, but they now have experienced the postseason. The players that have been here the last couple of years have worked hard to get to this point, and they're excited about this season. "

"I think that showed in today's (morning) practice. We had a good practice, and they worked real hard despite not having the greatest weather."

The Rebels also announced their 2000 schedule on Monday. This year's schedule has 33 home games, including home series' with SEC West rivals, Auburn (April 7-9), LSU (April 28-30) and Arkansas (May 12-14).

The non-conference slate features a two-game home series with nationally-ranked Baylor on March 7-8, and visits from Southern Miss (March 14) and Louisiana-Monroe(April 4).

Ole Miss will open the season with a seven-game home stand starting Friday, Feb. 11 against Nicholls State at 3:00 p.m.