Sept. 24, 2001
The Missouri baseball program opened its fall practice schedule last Thursday (Sept. 20) at Taylor Stadium/Simmons Field. The Tigers had 31 student-athletes at the opening practice. The Tigers' roster is highlighted by 10 newcomers - five junior college transfers and five freshmen.
Highlighting the incoming freshman class is Justin James, who was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft. James is a 6-foot-3 right-handed pitcher from Yukon, Okla. Other members of the freshman class are: Grant Hansen, right-handed pitcher, Edmond, Okla., Brent Lacy, catcher/infielder, Ellisville, Mo., Abel Newton, right-handed pitcher, Russellville, Ark., and Travis Wendte, a right-handed pitcher from Moore, Okla.
The junior college players on the 2002 roster are: Dan Bria, Lassen (Calif.) J.C., junior, right-handed pitcher, Chris Julo, Maple Woods (Mo.) C.C., junior, infielder/pitcher, Derek Roper, Hutchinson (Kan.) C.C., sophomore, right-handed pitcher, Ryan Rothford, Fresno City (Calif.) College, sophomore, catcher, and Jody Roughton, Maple Woods (Mo.) C.C., junior, infielder.
"The intensity and focus of all of the players has been outstanding," said Missouri head coach Tim Jamieson. "Our performance needs to improve and will over the next five weeks."
Junior Jayce Tingler agreed with Coach Jamieson on the intensity of the first days of practice and noted the incoming class has been impressive. "Coach Jamieson has talked a lot about this class of recruits and I see why," said Tingler, a junior outfielder who is returning from a wrist injury which sidelined for the Tigers' final seven games of the 2001 season.. "There are going to be a lot of expectations put on them, too. While we have a lot of experienced guys back, everyone is going to be pushed to earn a spot. I think just because you played last year doesn't mean you're guaranteed a spot. Everyone is pretty hungry and wants to play. We need to work on some of the fundamentals and try to gel as a team. Now is a time to get an idea of who can get it done when it counts."
The Tigers will conduct a total of 30 practices this fall. MU will hold its Black and Gold game on Oct. 12. The Fall World Series will start on Oct. 19.