Baseball Opens With FIU In 2002 NCAA Gainesville Regional
May 28, 2002
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University of Miami Hurricanes (30-26) at the 2002 NCAA Gainesville Regional
No. 1 seed Florida Gators (43-17): SEC at-large
No. 2 seed Florida International Golden Panthers (41-18): Sun Belt at-large
No. 3 seed Miami Hurricanes (30-26): Independent at-large
No. 4 seed Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (38-20): MEAC Champion
NCAA Regionals: May 31 – June 2, 2002; Alfred A. McKethan Stadium; Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville Regional Schedule —
Friday, May 31:
Game No. 2 at 3 p.m.
No. 2 FIU vs. No. 3 Miami
Game No. 1 at 7 p.m.
No. 1 Florida vs. No. 4 Bethune-Cookman
Saturday, June 1:
Game No. 3 at 11 a.m.
Loser Game #1 vs. Loser Game #2
Game No. 4 at 3 p.m.
Winner Game #1 vs. Winner Game #2
Game No. 5 at 7 p.m.
Winner Game #3 vs. Loser Game #4
Sunday, June 2:
Game No. 6 at 1 p.m.
Winner Game #4 vs. Winner Game #5
Game No. 7 (if necessary, one hour later)
MIAMI HURRICANES CONTINUE NCAA RECORD POSTSEASON STREAK —
With the 2002 NCAA Gainesville Regional bid, Miami extended its NCAA-record postseason streak to 30 straight since 1973. The Miami streak is the second-largest among major college sports, behind Nebraska’s current football bowl streak of 33 years.
Broadcast Information —
The University of Miami baseball team’s 2002 NCAA Gainesville Regional games will be broadcast over the following:
— the Internet at www.hurricanesports.com
— Sports Radio 560 WQAM
— WACC 830 AM Radio Paz
— WVUM 90.5 FM, the student voice of the Hurricanes
MIAMI TRAVELS TO GAINESVILLE REGIONAL —
The University of Miami extended its NCAA-record postseason regional streak to 30 straight, since 1973, with the upcoming NCAA Gainesville Regional at Alfred A. McKethan Stadium. The 2002 invite is the 31st overall postseason appearance by Miami since 1973. Florida State remains in second with a current string of 25 straight seasons since 1978.
Miami has a 138-62 (.690) all-time record in the postseason, including a 90-30 (.750) regional record.
Under Jim Morris, UM has earned a bid to the postseason in each of his nine seasons and continued his personal streak to 18 straight, including his final nine while at Georgia Tech.
In UM’s 30 previous postseason appearances, the Hurricanes played some sort of road contest in 28 of those seasons whether at a opponent region site or the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. Miami has forged a 70-52 (.574) record in those postseason road games, including a 26-20 (.565) mark in NCAA regional road games.
Within UM’s previous 30 postseason appearances, the Hurricanes have had to travel to road regionals 12 times, winning four of them.
Miami last played at a road site at the 1996 Central I Regional in Austin, Tex., hosted by the University of Texas. Miami would drop its first game, a 5-4 stunner to Sam Houston State, but rebound to win four straight and advance to the College World Series.
2002 NCAA REGIONAL —
#1 Florida (43-17) Host-site, SEC at-large
#2 FIU (41-18) Sun Belt at-large
#3 Miami (30-26) Independent at-large
#4 B-CC (38-20) MEAC Champion
MIAMI AGAINST THE 2002 NCAA TOURNAMENT FIELD —
Miami has played 34 games during the regular season against teams qualifying for the 2002 Division I Baseball Championships.
HURRICANES CONTINUE NCAA RECORD STREAK —
With the 2002 regional bid, Miami extended its NCAA-record postseason streak to 30 straight since 1973. The Miami streak is the second-largest among collegiate baseball, football and basketball. Nebraska’s current football bowl streak is at 33 games, and last fell to Miami in the Rose Bowl. Other prominent on-going streaks include Michigan football’s 27-year bowl streak, FSU’s 25-year baseball regional streak and Tennessee and Louisiana Tech with 21 straight bids the NCAA Tournament. Indiana men’s basketball has a 17-year streak of going to the dance to lead the way.
MIAMI SWEEPS REGIONALS, CWS EN ROUTE TO 2001 NATIONAL TITLE —
Last season, the Hurricanes swept through the NCAA postseason in the minimum nine games to lay claim to the 2001 National Championship. The College World Series title was the second in the last three seasons for the Hurricanes and fourth overall.
In winning the CWS, Miami swept its Coral Gables Regional and Super Regional. The Regional was won with a three-game sweep over Bucknell (14-6), Florida (6-2) and Stetson (16-8). Miami would then defeat Clemson in two straight games, 10-8 and 14-6, in the Super Regionals to advance to the CWS.
The 2001 Regional marked the third consecutive season, in the then-three years of the new NCAA format, that Miami had swept through competition to advance to the Super Regionals. The regional championship also marked UM’s eighth consecutive since 1994, all under Jim Morris. Additionally, it was the third time in the three years of the new format that the Hurricanes advanced to the Super Regionals. UM has won two of those Super Regional tournaments with two-game sweeps.
2002 HURRICANE TEAM AWARDS —
The following players were voted as team award winners:Bob Werner Memorial Award (the player who most exemplified the qualities of a winner as selected by his teammates): Vince Vazquez.Home Run Trophy (given to UM’s home run champion by Power Bar): Danny Matienzo (14).Rookie of the Year (UM’s top rookie either freshman or JUCO transfer as voted on by the coaches): Danny and Paco Figueroa.MVP Trophy (UM’s Most Valuable Player as voted on by the coaches): Javy Rodriguez.Arnold Novins Memorial Award (UM’s most popular player as voted by the Miami fans): Kevin Howard.Ron Fraser Pitcher of the Year Award (awarded to the top hurler on the staff as determined by the coaches): J.D. Cockroft.
MIAMI AND THE PSEUDO-RPI —
Following the close of the regular season, Miami finds itself ranked 19th in the latest Boyd’s World pseudo-Ratings Power Index (pseudo RPI). UM have five top-13 opponents in Florida State (#2), Georgia Tech (#5), Houston (#8), Florida (#10) and North Carolina (#13), while 16 are rated among the top 64.
Miami has 2002 quality pseudo RPI victories over #2 Florida State, #5 Georgia Tech, #13 North Carolina, #21 Long Beach State (two), #24 Cal State Fullerton, #27 FIU, #37 South Florida, #42 FAU, #45 Elon, #48 Rutgers, #52 Tennessee (two), #63 Bethune-Cookman (two) and #64 Kansas State.Boyd’s World RPI (as of 5/26)
FIVE REGULAR SEASON CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS AND FOUR TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS ON THE 2002 SCHEDULE —
Miami has faced five regular season conference champions in FSU (ACC), Houston (C-USA), Minnesota (Big 10), USC (Pac-10) and Bethune-Cookman (MEAC) in 2002. Additionally, Florida State (ACC), UW-Milwaukee (Horizon League), Bethune-Cookman (MEAC) and USC (Pac-10) won their respective conference tournaments.
THE CLASS OF 2002 —
The 2002 season marked the final campaign for six Hurricane seniors: Luke DeBold, Matt Dryer, Troy Roberson, Javy Rodriguez, Brad Safchik and Vince Vazquez.Senior Notes
DeBold, Roberson, Rodriguez and Vazquez joined the program as freshmen in 1999. All four earned National Championship rings playing with the CWS winning teams in 1999 and 2001. Rodriguez and Vazquez are currently the only two players in the nation to have won participated and won two College World Series titles. Both DeBold and Roberson played throughout the 1999 season, but did not participate in the postseason.Dryer and Safchik each joined the team as juniors in 2000. Dryer transferred from Indian River Community College, while Safchik played his first two seasons for the University of Tampa. Dryer and Safchik each earned National Championship rings with last season’s squad.On May 10, DeBold (Systems Analysis), Roberson (Liberal Arts) and Vazquez (Finance) each walked across the stage as part of graduation commencement ceremonies.Rodriguez is listed throughout the career offensive record books, including hits, stolen bases, at bats, run scored, total sacrifices and total bases.DeBold holds the school-record for consecutive appearances with a 13-game span in 2000. He is also tied for third in overall and relief appearances.Roberson is the lone player on the squad to be drafted twice, so far. He was drafted in 1998 by the Baltimore Orioles out of high school and again last season by the Texas Rangers in the 28th round. Roberson did not a throw a single pitch in 2001.
PLAYING TOUGH ON THE ROAD —
Seven of UM’s eight losses from road games at the Kia Baseball Bash in Fullerton, Calif., Florida State, North Carolina and Georgia Tech were decided over the last three innings. The lone loss on the road that was dealt early was at FSU, 13-3, on 4/5.
Two of these road seven losses were last at bat ones occurring at Florida State, 9-7, in 13 innings on 4/7 and at Georgia Tech, 7-6, in a 9-inning game on 5/10. Three additional road defeats were in the next to last inning at Georgia Tech, 16-8, on 5/12, at North Carolina, 5-4, on 4/26, and vs. Southern California, 11-10, on 3/1. All three games at UNC were decided by one run each. The Houston game saw Miami leading 4-0 then having six straight errors lead to seven unearned Houston runs in a 8-6 for the tourney title.
Miami has been tough in its 26 losses, with 18 of them by four runs or less. Eight losses have been by one run, five by two runs, three by three runs and two by four runs.
RELIEVER GOES FROM BOTTOM TO TOP IN ONE SEASON —
Sophomore J.D. Cockroft enters the postseason with a team-best ERA of 1.80. Last year, he finished last among pitchers with a 43.20 ERA over five appearances. He is the first UM pitcher since Chris Sarmiento (1985-86) to go from last to first in team ERA over one season. Sarmiento finished 1985 with a 7.63 ERA and responded with a team-best 1.80 in 1986.
FIVE HURRICANES AMONG BASEBALL AMERICA’S FLORIDA TOP 70 —
Miami has five Hurricanes rated among the state of Florida’s top 70 prospects, college and high school. Leading the list was Kiki Bengochea (#19) followed by Javy Rodriguez (#22), Kevin Howard (#23), T.J. Prunty (#40) and Troy Roberson (#45).
JAVY RODRIGUEZ LISTED THROUGHOUT MIAMI CAREER RECORDS —
Senior All-American Javy Rodriguez has etched his name on numerous Miami career record lists this season, including hits, stolen bases, at bats, total sacrifices, total bases and run scored.
For the past two seasons, Rodriguez, the 2001 and 2002 Team MVP, has led the team in nearly every offensive category. He is also the single-season record holder with 66 stolen bases in 2001.
KEVIN HOWARD JUMPS TO NO. 2 IN CAREER DOUBLES, NEARS TOP MARK —
Kevin Howard enters the postseason with 63 career doubles, including a team-high 21 on the season. The figure ties him for No. 2 all-time with Mike Fiore (1985-88). Howard tied Fiore with his fifth inning double in game No. 1 vs. Jacksonville. Howard is two away from the school-record 65 by Jose Trujillo (1985-88). Howard has led the Hurricanes in doubles in all three of his seasons, 21 in 2002, 20 in 2001 and 22 in 2000.
Additionally, Howard recently had three hits in the New York Tech series to give him 248 for his career, keeping him at No. 6 all-time.
DANNY MATIENZO CHARGES ONTO CAREER POWER LISTS —
Danny Matienzo hit one home run in the Jacksonville series to give him a team-best 14 on the season and 36 for his career. The 36 home runs put him at No. 8 on the career list, breaking a tie with Frank Dominguez (1985-88). The 14 home runs are also a career-season-high after hitting 13 in 2001.
Additionally, Matienzo recently had three RBI during the New York Tech series to give him 174 for his career, ranking No. 7 all-time.
LUKE DeBOLD FINISHES WITH THIRD-MOST APPEARANCES —
Luke DeBold will finish his University of Miami career ranked third all-time in overall pitching appearances, as well as appearances in relief. DeBold currently is in third with his 101 career appearances, all in relief. Robbie Morrison (1996-98) sits in second in both categories with 112 career appearances with 110 in relief. Since his return on May 2, DeBold has had eight appearances, seven of which he held the opponent off the scoreboard. Prior to May, DeBold had made just three appearances. He appeared in over 40 innings in each of the past two seasons.
THE MIAMI/FIU SERIES —
Miami leads the all-time series with FIU, 82-20, dating back to the 1973 season. The series is the third-longest on-going rivalry on the UM baseball schedule behind Florida (1940) and Florida State (1951).
Under Jim Morris, the Hurricanes have gone 21-10 vs. FIU since 1994.
In 2002, the Golden Panthers won two of the three meetings, 7-1, at University Park on Feb. 6 and at Mark Light Stadium, 9-7, on May 2. UM defeated FIU, 6-2, at the Homestead Challenge on Feb. 22.
UM and FIU have played three times in the postseason, with the Hurricanes leading 3-0. Most recently, Miami won a pair of Coral Gables Regional games in 2000 (14-4) and 1999 (6-4). UM also owns a 5-2 regional win over FIU from 1997.
THE MIAMI/FLORIDA SERIES —
Miami leads the all-time series with Florida, 107-82-1, including a 36-52-1 mark in Gainesville. The series is the longest on-going rivalry on the Hurricanes schedule dating back to the 1940 season. Only UM and FSU have met more times overall (226) since its series began with the 1951 season.
Under Jim Morris, the Hurricanes have gone 20-16 against the Gators since 1994.
In 2002, the Gators traveled to Mark Light Stadium and defeated the Hurricanes in two meetings, 12-9 and 6-2, on Friday and Sunday, respectively. The Saturday game was rained out. The UF wins broke a string of 12 straight games that the Gators had lost down at Miami since the 1996 season.
In the postseason, the two teams have met eight times with UM leading 7-1. Most recently, the Hurricanes defeated Florida, 6-2, in the 2001 Coral Gables Regional. Additionally, the Hurricanes have also won the two postseason meetings with the Gators outside of a Coral Gables Regional, in Gainesville (9-1) in 1989 and in Tallahassee (6-5) in 1984.
MIAMI VS. THE SEC —
Miami has forged an all-time record of 166-117-1 against teams currently in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under Jim Morris, Miami is 34-21 vs. the SEC since 1994.
MIAMI/BETHUNE COOKMAN SERIES —
Miami leads the all-time series with Bethune-Cookman, 11-1, dating back to the 1983 season. All 12 games of the series were played at Mark Light Stadium. In 2002, Miami took two of three games with the Wildcats in Coral Gables, May 3-5.Miami/Bethune-Cookman series
MIAMI/BETHUNECOOKMAN SERIES MATH —
Overall Series Record: Miami leads 11-1
At UM: Miami leads 11-1
In NCAA play: Miami leads 1-0
Total runs scored: Miami leads 160-34
One run games: None
Two run games: B-CC leads 1-0
Shutout victories vs. B-CC: 2
Shutout victories by B-CC: 0
Most runs UM: 22 (22-0 win in 1990)
Margin UM: 22 (22-0 win in 1990)
Most runs B-CC: 9 (15-9 loss in 1999)
Margin B-CC:2 (3-1 win in 2002)
Streak UM: 10(2/15/83 – 5/3/02)
Streak B-CC: 1 (5/4/02)
MIAMI VS. THE MEAC —
Miami has forged an all-time record of 31-8 against teams currently in the MEAC.
STATE OF FLORIDA DOMINATES NCAA BRACKET —
The state of Florida placed a tournament-high nine teams in the postseason, including Miami (Independent at-large), Bethune-Cookman (MEAC champion), Central Florida (Atlantic Sun champion), Florida (SEC at-large), Florida Atlantic (Atlantic Sun at-large), Florida International (Sun Belt at-large), Florida State (ACC champion), South Florida (C-USA at-large) and Stetson (Atlantic Sun at-large). California was next wtih seven schools in the postseason.
JIM MORRIS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI —
In his ninth season as Head Coach at Miami, Jim Morris has compiled a current 423-145-1 (.744) record with the Hurricanes. He has guided Miami to the College World Series in seven of his eight previous seasons in Coral Gables, including a NCAA-record six straight trips in his first six years.
In 2001, Morris’ club went 53-12 and won its final 17 games en route to the 2002 College World Series title. The 12-1 victory over Stanford marked the second National Championship in the last three seasons after Morris’ 1999 club claimed the title with a 6-5 win over rival Florida State.
Morris has been named the National Coach of the Year five times by Baseball America in 1994 and Collegiate Baseball and the American Baseball Coaches Association in 1999 and 2001.
JIM MORRIS IS A REGIONAL REGULAR —
Jim Morris earned his 18th consecutive NCAA regional bid as the Hurricanes travel to the 2002 NCAA Gainesville Regional. He has led Miami to a Regional in each of his nine seasons (1994-2002), as well as from 1985-93 with Georgia Tech.
2002 MARKS JIM MORRIS’ 25TH SEASON AS A HEAD COACH —
Head Coach Jim Morris currently has a 927-389-2 (.704) record at the Division I level. As a head coach, Morris has compiled a 1,058-430-2 (.711) record over 25 years.
Earlier this season Jim Morris notched his milestone 900th win at the Division I level with a 10-4 victory over Minnesota on Feb. 15. Eight days later, Morris would earn his 400th win at the University of Miami with a 11-4 victory over Kansas State on Feb. 23. Morris’ 1000th win as a head coach, including four years at DeKalb Junior College, came last season in a 5-3 win over Northeastern on March 23, 2001.
Prior to his nine seasons in Coral Gables, Morris went 504-244-1 at Georgia Tech from 1982-1993. In his first stint as a head coach, he guided DeKalb Junior College to a 131-41 mark from 1976-79.
JIM MORRIS MAKING HISTORY —
Guided the Miami Hurricanes to College World Series National Championship in 1999 and 2001.The only coach in NCAA history to take a school to the College World Series in each of his first six years at a program. Morris has gone to Omaha with Miami in seven of eight previous seasons.Named National Coach of the Year five times while at Miami, by Baseball America in 1994 and by the ABCA and Collegiate Baseball in 1999 and 2001.Sent over 137 players to the Pro’s, including Pat Burrell (Phillies), Danny Graves (Reds), Alex Cora (Dodgers), Nomar Garciaparra (Red Sox) and Kevin Brown (Dodgers).Has served three stints with the U.S. National Team: Asst. Coach for 1987 Pan American Games (Silver), Head Coach for 1989 Presidential Cup (Silver) and Head Coach for 1990 Goodwill Games (Bronze).
SHORTSTOPS AND JIM MORRIS —
Jim Morris, who played shortstop during college at Elon and then in the Boston Red Sox organization, has had great success developing the position while a head coach. Over the last decade Morris has taught prominent shortstops such as Nomar Garciaparra, at Georgia Tech and Bobby Hill and Alex Cora at Miami.
Since 1999, Morris has been working with Javy Rodriguez, who entered 2002 as a preseason All-American. Rodriguez led UM in just about every category as a junior in 2001, including a national-high 66 stolen bases.
Prior to Rodriguez Morris coached Hill, who is now regarded as the Chicago Cubs top infield prospect. Before Hill was Cora and Mike Metcalfe. Both players went on to play at the Major League level with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where Cora is currently the starter. Garciaparra played under Morris during the coaches’ final two seasons in Atlanta and went on to become an All-Star with the Red Sox.
50-40-30 PLATEAU —
With its 11-5 win over New York Tech in the regular season finale, UM extended its streak to 32 consecutive seasons with at least 30 wins. The last time UM failed to win 30 games was 1970 when the Hurricanes finished 28-15-1. Morris’ previous lowest single-season total at Miami was 41 in 2000, while his all-time low is a 29-20 record in his first season at Georgia Tech in 1982.
Prior to 2002, UM had won at least 40 games for eight straight years (1994-2001), 13 of the last 14 years and 27 of the last 29 years. Miami also has five 50-win seasons under Morris.
FIVE HURRICANES WERE LISTED ON SMITH AWARD WATCH LIST —
Five Hurricanes, including Kiki Bengochea, Jim Burt, Kevin Howard, George Huguet and Javy Rodriguez, are listed among the candidates for the 15th annual Rotary Smith Award.
HOME GROWN HURRICANES —
Of the 31 rostered Hurricanes in 2002, 20 are from the tri-county (Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) area. Additionally, 12 were raised in Dade County. The Miami roster also features players from eight other states than Florida.
HURRICANES HARD TO NO-HIT —
Entering the NCAA regionals Miami has not been no-hit in 2,299 games. The last time the Hurricanes were no-hit was by Ken Huebner of Florida Southern on April 18, 1964 in Lakeland.
TWO HURRICANES CRACK BASEBALL AMERICA DRAFT 2002 TOP 50 —
Kevin Howard (#46) and Javy Rodriguez (#50) were recently listed among Baseball America’s top 50 college prospects for the 2002 MLB Draft.
VINCE VAZQUEZ, JIM BURT NAMED 2002 TEAM CAPTAINS —
In a vote consisting of the baseball coaches, players and staff, junior pitcher Vince Vazquez and sophomore outfielder Jim Burt were named the 2002 team captains. It is the second straight year Vazquez was voted to be a team captain, along with Greg Lovelady, in 2001.
SEVERAL HURRICANES GARNER PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA HONORS —
A total of five Hurricanes received preseason All-American honors, including Javy Rodriguez, Kiki Bengochea, George Huguet, Luke DeBold and Danny Matienzo.Kiki Bengochea: Baseball America First-Team.
Louisville Slugger First-Team.
Luke DeBold: NCBWA Second-Team.
Kevin Howard: Baseball America Second-Team.
Louisville Slugger Second-Team.
George Huguet: NCBWA First-Team.
Louisville Slugger Third-Team.
Javy Rodriguez: NCBWA First-Team.
Louisville Slugger Second-Team.
Baseball America Third-Team.
BASEBALL AMERICA’S COLLEGE PREVIEW RECOGNIZES MIAMI —
Baseball America’s Allen Simpson rated junior RHP Kiki Bengochea No. 6 among the top 100 college prospects for the 2002 draft. Also making Simpson’s list were Kevin Howard (#23), T.J. Prunty (#56) and Javy Rodriguez (#72).
Baseball America listed the top 50 players by class, which consisted of seven Hurricanes in each of the four classes. Danny Figueroa (#32), Ryan Dixon (#34) and Rich Giannotti (#43) were among the freshmen listed. T.J. Prunty (#30) was the lone UM sophomore listed and was rated the No. 2 draft eligible sophomore. Kiki Bengochea (#6) and Kevin Howard (#22) were among the juniors and Javy Rodriguez (#6) was listed among seniors.
Miami was selected the top independent school heading into 2002, while Bengochea, Howard, Rodriguez, Prunty and Troy Roberson were the top five independent prospects. Figueroa, Dixon and Brandon Camardese were the top three independent newcomers.
2002 HURRICANES DEFEAT ALUMNI TEAM 20-3 —
Forty-five former Hurricanes spanning seven decades returned to Mark Light Stadium on Jan. 26 to take part in the annual alumni game against the 2002 squad. The current players were able to use solid pitching and defense plus effective power to cruise to the 20-3 victory over the former Hurricanes that included, Orlando Palmeiro (1990), J.D. Arteaga (1994-97), Danny Buxbaum (1994-95), Tom Farmer (1998-01), David Gil (1997-00), Joe Grahe (1987-89), Charlton Jimerson (1998-01), Ross Jones (1979-80), Mike Rodriguez (1999-01), Alex Santos (1997-99) and Jose Trujillo (1986-89).
HURRICANE ROSTER HAS MAJOR LEAGUE TALENT —
The 2002 Hurricanes have a total of 19 players who have been selected in the Major League Draft. Freshman pitcher Kiki Bengochea is the highest drafted player on the UM roster (3rd Rd./Kansas City Royals). Additionally, 19 of UM’s 31 players or 61.3 percent have been drafted by the pros.
HAROLD REYNOLDS HIGHLIGHTS PRESEASON “FIRST PITCH” BANQUET —
ESPN Baseball Tonight analyst and College World Series broadcaster Harold Reynolds served as the keynote speaker at the annual “First Pitch” Banquet at the Omni Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables. The switch-hitting second baseman played a total 14 seasons in the Major Leagues with Seattle, Anaheim and Baltimore. He was selected three times (1988-1990) as the American League Gold Glove winner while he playing for Seattle.
CHARLES JOHNSON HAS HIS JERSEY NUMBER 23 RETIRED AT SUNDAY FLORIDA GATOR GAME —
Charles Johnson came back to Mark Light Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 10 where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch and had his jersey number 23 retired on the outfield wall. Johnson is the ninth player/coach to have his baseball jersey number retired. Other Hurricanes to have their baseball jerseys retired are Orlando Gonzalez (#20), Stan Jakubowski (#29), Randy Guerra (#25), Neal Heaton (#26), Skip Bertman (#15), Mike Fiore (#12), Doug Shields (#5) and legendary head coach Ron Fraser (#1).
CHARLES JOHNSON INDUCTED INTO THE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME —
At the annual Hall of Fame Banquet held on March 14 at the Downtown Miami Hyatt Regency, former Hurricane catcher Charles Johnson (1990-92) will be among eight 2002 inductees into the University of Miami Athletics Hall of Fame. Johnson joins Horace Copeland (track and football), Carlos Huerta (football), George Mira, Jr. (football), Art Kehoe (football), Isabella Hutchinson (women’s athletics), Frances Savage (women’s basketball) and Al Besselink (men’s golf).
HURRICANE BASEBALL WITH JIM MORRIS —
The 2002 season marked the sixth season of Hurricane Baseball with Jim Morris, a weekly half-hour television program featuring the head coach of the Hurricanes. The show aired on WPLG-Channel 10 and on Fox Sports Net Florida. Hosted by WPLG-Channel 10 Sportscaster Frank Forte, the show featured Hurricane players, coaches and special guests.
VISIT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI BASEBALL HOME PAGE AT HURRICANESPORTS.COM —
The University of Miami Athletics has teamed with OCSN, the Official College Sports Network, for a comprehensive website dedicated to Hurricanes sports. Current baseball news, statistics and information can be found year-round at www.hurricanesports.com.
STUDENT RADIO WVUM 90.5 FM CARRIES EVERY GAME ON THE INTERNET —
The student station of the Miami Hurricanes, WVUM 90.5 FM, continues its voice into the 2002 season with coverage of every single Miami Hurricanes baseball game, home and away. Additionally, the WVUM broadcasted games can be listened to on the UM website at www.hurricanesports.com or on the WVUM website at www.wvum.org.
15 GAMES AIR ON FOX SPORTS NET FLORIDA, MIAMI APPEARS ON TV 20 TIMES IN 2002 —
Fox Sports Net Florida will televised 15 regular season Hurricane baseball games in 2002. Miami also made two appearances on Fox Sports Net South at Georgia Tech as well as the Sunshine Network for the three games at Florida State.
Longtime Miami Hurricanes broadcasters Frank Forte, of WPLG Channel 10 sports, and WQAM’s Joe Zagacki handled the play-by-play in 2002, while former Hurricane baseball standout Luis “Wicho” Hernandez filled in with the color analysis.
HURRICANE BROADCAST ON SPORTSRADIO 560 WQAM —
Sports Radio 560 WQAM continues its coverage of the Miami Hurricanes into the postseason after broadcasting 14 regular season contests. WQAM is completing its third season as the flagship station for University of Miami Athletics, serving the football, men’s basketball and baseball radio broadcast. Joe Zagacki, Josh Darrow and Brian “The Beast London” will handle the broadcast.
UM’S SPANISH RADIO BROADCAST ON WACC 830 AM RADIO PAZ —
WACC 830 AM Radio Paz once again served as the Hurricanes’ Spanish-designated AM station in the postseason after airing 12 regular season broadcasts. Jerry del Castillo, Pepe Campos and Joe Martinez comprise UM’s Spanish broadcasting team. In 1999, the UM Spanish radio broadcast was the first-ever to broadcast from a College World Series game.
