Football's Buchanon Joins Baseball Squad

Jan. 10, 2000

Coral Gables, FL – The National Champion University of Miami baseball team has added freshman Phillip Buchanon to its roster for the 2000 season. Buchanon is already attending Miami on a football scholarship as a defensive back.

Buchanon, who will add depth to the UM outfield, saw much playing time during his true freshman season with the football Hurricanes. He appeared in 10 games, recording 21 tackles on the season, including one tackle for loss, a pass break-up and a forced fumble. Buchanon’s top performance came against Syracuse at the Orange Bowl, where he recorded a season-best six total tackles.

Buchanon, originally from Lehigh, FL, was an all-state baseball player as a senior. A four-year baseball letterman, he batted .463 with seven triples, six doubles and five home runs.

Buchanon joins pitcher/tight end Dan Smith as the lone football players on the Hurricanes’ 2000 roster.

“Phillip hasn’t played since his senior season at Lehigh,” said Head Coach Jim Morris. “From what we saw of him out at practice, he is not that far from getting back up to speed. Phillip is extremely fast in the outfield and is a welcomed addition to this team.”

The Hurricanes, who opened spring practice on Jan. 3, begin defense of their 1999 College World Series title on Wednesday, Jan. 26 against Lynn University at 7 p.m. at Mark Light Stadium.

1999 National Coach of the Year Jim Morris, who enters the season one win away from his 300th victory at the University of Miami, has a 934-373-1 overall record in 22 seasons as a head coach. In his six seasons at UM, Morris has compiled a 299-88-0 record and has guided the Hurricanes to the College World Series each season, a NCAA record.

For season or single game ticket information, please call the Hurricane ticket office at 1-800 GO CANES or (305) 284-CANES in Miami-Dade County.