Oct. 4, 2001

In its first two weeks of the fall practice session, the Missouri baseball team stressed strength and conditioning as well as games. The Tigers have played eight intrasquad games as it prepares for the upcoming Black and Gold Game on Oct. 12 and the Fall World Series which starts on Oct. 18.

"From a team standpoint, I think we're still searching for our identity and who's going to step up in leadership roles," said senior third baseman Kurt Propst. "I think we have a good base with our senior class. I think we'll be all right. We're coming out here everyday and working hard. If we keep doing that, everything will fall in place.

"I think we've picked things up in terms of intensity from years past. We saw how good we could be in glimpses last year and we know what have to do to get back there," continued Propst, who hails from Jefferson City. "You think about starting your last season all of the time. It might be the last time you get to strap on the equipment as you never know what's going to happen. It's something special. I think that's what drives the seniors a little since you don't know what's out there. I'm planning to get it everything I've got and hope everything works out for the best."

Taylor Stadium/Simmons Field got a surprise visit from noted turf specialist George Toma. Toma stopped by to check on the newly-installed Bermuda grass infield as well as all of the turf fields at Missouri on Thursday.