Opening night of baseball season is always special.
The sound of the PING of aluminum bats. The roar of the crowd. The taste of hot dogs with mustard.
The constant yell of the world renowned vendor known as the "Elephant Man" in the stands: "Popcorn, peanuts, cracker jacks and sunflower seeds."
Baseball season is back! And while this may not excite some of you Hurricane fans, let me tell you that you just don't know what you are missing. You do not have to love baseball to have a good night at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
I am here to tell you that University of Miami baseball is where it is at.
On opening night 2010 I joined 3,827 other Hurricans fans in saying so.
From the pre-game celebration at The Titanic with Canespacers and other UM fans to the walk over to the stadium to seeing the orange clay and the green grass of the baseball diamond the event is special.
Going to a game on the UM campus in Coral Gables is a unique experience in an environment that every 'Canes fan should have the opportunity to enjoy during their lives. From the random screams of "RAG ARM" at opposing pitchers to the well rehearsed calls from the crowd of "BALL TWO, WHOOO" it is a fun, informal, family oriented atmposphere that is simply a blast to be part of.
On this opening night of the 2010 season, Miami pitched well and pounded the ball while spanking Rutgers like a misbehaving child at Chucky Cheese. Using that analogy, the Hurricanes' hammering of the Scarlet Knights' pitching staff bordered on child abuse. Thank goodness these were college students and not children experiencing this beat down in 305 town.
And also be glad that The Maniac and blogger Cat5 were in attendance to keep things under control.
Miami trounced Rutgers 12-1 on opening night as though it was just for fun. The stars of the game were starting pitcher Eric "Easy E" Erickson and third baseman Harold "Boom Boom" Martinez.
Erickson, who returned from elbow surgery in June 2008 to throw six strong innings on opening night in 2010, allowed only one run while striking out five. Third baseman Martinez enjoyed his opening night by blasting not one but two home runs (one the bounced off the brand new electronic scoreboard in left field) for four RBIs. Not a bad night's work by either player.
The Hurricanes play the Scarlet Knights again tonight at 7 PM and then Sunday at 1 PM.
Get off the couch and get into the game. Trust me, U will not be sorry U did!
Bruce Hale...welcome to The Space. Post here, post often!
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 11:26 AM
bg1906...where U at? U ready for tonight?
LessisMore...nice first BTW. U have Canespace gear correct? Let me know if U are in need. New shirts ahve been ordered and are set to arrive 2/3/10.
Several shirts were mailed out last week. If I owed U one and U are missing yours let me know.
ToledoCane...your XXL Canespace shirt will be mailed Monaday.
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Its been a few days, but I still wanted to shout a good job to Q. Hill and James Bryant for their 1st round TKOs in their pro boxing debuts.
Posted by: Sebastian(2001U G.O.A.T.) | February 21, 2010 at 11:37 AM
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Yeah. I'll send it to you in a few.
Posted by: bg1906 | February 21, 2010 at 11:40 AM
UM Home Basketball Games:
2/23 vs UVA: Meet at The Titanic between 5:30-6:30 PM
3/6 vs FSU: Meet at the BUC Ticket office at 11:30 AM.
Be there!
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Posted by: JSQ | February 21, 2010 at 08:25 AM
Did U get asked out by ANOTHER Cane?
U and those cupcakes...
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 12:23 PM
hello?
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 01:22 PM
S L O W. . .
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 01:31 PM
U
Posted by: Daddeh | February 21, 2010 at 01:54 PM
Soup, isn't the FSWho basketball game at noon and the Floriduh baseball game at 7 on 3/6? Is Titanic for in between the games?
Posted by: JSQ | February 21, 2010 at 02:21 PM
Soup, isn't the FSWho basketball game at noon and the Floriduh baseball game at 7 on 3/6? Is Titanic for in between the games?
Posted by: JSQ | February 21, 2010 at 02:21 PM
UM vs UF baseball is at 7 PM Friday AND Saturday and 1 PM Sunday.
UM vs FSU basketball is at noon Saturday.
I am going to the FRIDAY night baseball game against UF and the Saturday noon basketball game.
I will be at the Titanic and tailgating prior to the Friday night baseball game.
U can host the Saturday Canespace event at the Titanic between the basketball game at noon and basbeall game at 7 PM on Saturday.
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Yeah, Soup, that's what I said. You posted to meet at night for a noon basketball game. Making sure people are not confused.
I can't throw a tailgate this time, sorry. Other plans.
Posted by: JSQ | February 21, 2010 at 02:51 PM
JSQ...thanks for the clarification. I went back and corrected my earlier comment.
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 03:00 PM
great hockey game on right now!
Posted by: canechic | February 21, 2010 at 03:16 PM
10 minutes into the game and we have this stoppage of play and first commercial. Why can't all sports be this way?
Posted by: canechic | February 21, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Correction: first stoppage of play
Posted by: canechic | February 21, 2010 at 03:20 PM
334
Posted by: nmbcane | February 21, 2010 at 03:28 PM
So the Miami Dolphins have the 12th pick in the 1st round. The experts have the pick coming down to, Dez Bryant, WR, Okl St. or Rolando McClain, ILB, Ala.
Anyone who cares to chim in... which way do you think the Dolphins will pick, and which way SHOULD they pick.
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 04:04 PM
Unless the receiver is named Calvin or Andre Johnson, or Larry Fitzgerald, I HATE taking receivers that high. I don't think the Dolphins brass is in favor of it either.
I think they'll pick McClain, if available, and would be thrilled with that. Then get Mt. Cody in the second (who cares about a weight problem?)...
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 04:06 PM
Et tu JSQ!!!!
LOL ;)
Never gonna live it down....
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | February 21, 2010 at 04:07 PM
I say pick Mclane, if he's not available I hope they trade down and pick up an extra pick or two in the 2-4 round range.
Posted by: conch salad | February 21, 2010 at 04:33 PM
Anyone who cares to chim in... which way do you think the Dolphins will pick, and which way SHOULD they pick.
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 04:04 PM
The Dolphins need to pick the BEST avaialable WR on the board. Their need at that position is TOO great to pick the best player available. They need a WR like Cat5 needs a Budweiser. BAD!
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 04:35 PM
I agree conch salad... depending on anyone "falling" down to them. Generally I'm ALWAYS in favor of trading down and aquiring more picks.
(Except how the Cowboys did it last year. Thay have a ready-for-wins-now roster and they kept on trading down to almost "worthless" 4th round and higher picks. That was silly, IMO)
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 04:36 PM
I know they NEED a WR but there is almost NO CHANCE that WR will meaningfully contribute next year as a #1. We have a roster full of twos and threes... just develop the ones we have now.
Didn't U learn from Ted Ginn Jr?
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 04:38 PM
Dramatic ninth inning Canes win.
Canes win
Canes win
Canes win
DeVoss hits walk off homer, Canes win 9-7
Posted by: Lurker | February 21, 2010 at 04:41 PM
Canez1...I've been looking for U everywhere baby boy. Let's hook up again soon?
I sent U some photos to remember me by:
http://mariahcarey.com/exclusives/photo.php
Posted by: Mariah Carey | February 21, 2010 at 04:47 PM
Just a few more days Canez1, and Spring chatter will wipe all this Mariah stuff away... for awhile.
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 04:52 PM
Wow this hockey game is great! I know you guys are not big hockey fans but this one is very entertaining...the Russians are a force, Malkin, Ovechkin, and of course the greatest goalie Evgeni Nabokov.
Posted by: canechic | February 21, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Canes had to come back and win in the 9th...9 to 7
Posted by: canechic | February 21, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Canes win
Canes win
Canes win
DeVoss hits walk off homer, Canes win 9-7
Posted by: CanesCanesCanes | February 21, 2010 at 04:41 PM
NICE! Freshman DeVoss? He must get some good coaching?
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 04:56 PM
Hit it with two out, one run down, and the game on the line - that's about as high as a pressure situation gets for a young kid. Not bad for a freshman in his first college series.
Posted by: Lurker | February 21, 2010 at 04:58 PM
Canez1 I owe U an apology.
It was me impersonating Mariah Carey who posted that comment about "hooking up."
I am a HUGE Mariah fan, I confess.
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 05:03 PM
LMFAO!!!!
Hmmmmm.....
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | February 21, 2010 at 05:04 PM
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/349670-canes-recruiting-class-will-prove-doubters-wrong
GREAT piece on the recruiting class...
In fact, the most successful Hurricanes recruiting classes seem to benefit most from two factors that have nothing to do with star ratings: the number of prospects signed, and the number who arrive in January.
This year’s Canes class totals nearly 30-strong (don’t hold your breath for the nation’s top unsigned prospect, Seantrel Henderson), and is especially strong in numbers at three need positions: linebacker, defensive back, and offensive line.
Just as encouraging, six players will be enrolling early; some of whom, like quarterback Stephen Morris and center Shane McDermott, will have the chance to take meaningful reps due to the hand injury of Jacory Harris and graduation of AJ Trump, respectively.
Posted by: conch salad | February 21, 2010 at 05:21 PM
Soup.
You've got mail.
Posted by: bg1906 | February 21, 2010 at 05:38 PM
DZ8...was to "man up" to the Mariah Carey comments. I had no idea U were such a BIG fan of hers?
Canez1...I got your back brotha!
Posted by: SOUP | February 21, 2010 at 05:57 PM
I think they'll pick McClain, if available, and would be thrilled with that. Then get Mt. Cody in the second (who cares about a weight problem?)...
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 04:06 PM
I just hope McClain is available a 12. I agree with whoever said trade down if he isn't, then maybe go safety. WR 2nd round and another in the later rounds.
UM needed to find a way to win today, and they did that. Mark of a good team...
Posted by: miamimike01 | February 21, 2010 at 05:57 PM
Thanks Soup for the gear!
Posted by: toledocane | February 21, 2010 at 06:07 PM
Posted by: miamimike01 | February 21, 2010 at 05:57 PM
Rumor has it McClain won't run well and hopefully Denver will part ways with Marshall and take Dez. Then McClain would fall to us.
But last year at this time I was praying Mualuga would fall to us and he had a good rookie year but he fell past us into the 2nd round. Still early... but getting closer.
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 06:14 PM
I'm more concerned about his shuttle time and his cone drill time... not so much his forty.
Posted by: miamimike01 | February 21, 2010 at 06:18 PM
I could care less what he runs... the kid can play football. I was just bringing it up as to reasons he might be there at 12.
Who knows by the time the draft rolls around I might have other reasons to like/not like him.
I remember Drew Brees' year. I wanted him, we picked in the late 20s, befor the draft and during the draft. Then when Miami went on the clock I had this image of Brees turning into an Eric Zeier type QB. Short good college career but not so special in the NFL. I had changed my mind in an instant and didn't want him anymore. Whoops.
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 06:28 PM
McClain is fast. he's just not quick. quickness is way more important.
you better be concerned about how quick a player is. it could be the difference between stopping a RB at the line of scrimmage or allowing a touchdown.
Posted by: Daytoncane | February 21, 2010 at 06:45 PM
u
Posted by: UMike | February 21, 2010 at 06:55 PM
Get your hot nuts!!!
A little excitement on a dull day!
Feb. 21, 2010
Miami 9, Rutgers 7
CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Trailing 7-5 with two on and two out in the bottom of the ninth, freshman centerfielder Zeke DeVoss smacked a three-run, walk-off homer to propel No. 12 Miami to a 9-7 victory Sunday afternoon over Rutgers at Alex Rodriguez Park.
Down two with one out in the bottom of the ninth, junior leftfielder Chris Pelaez started the rally with single to center of Rutgers reliever Charlie Law. After a wild pitch moved Pelaez over to second, Harold Martinez flew out to right for the second out of the inning but was able advance Pelaez over to third. With no more room for error, Frankie Ratcliff kept the rally alive with a walk, putting runners on the corner with two outs. Nathan Melendres followed with a hard grounder to third that got through third baseman Russ Hopkins, allowing Ratcliff to move to third and Melendres to second. Down a run at this point, DeVoss - UM's No. 9 hitter - smacked a outside fastball on a one-and-one count over the wall in left to give the `Canes the two-run win.
The win for Miami (3-0) secured the series sweep of the Scarlet Knights (0-3) in both team's 2010 season-opening weekend series.
Pelaez, who went 8-for-11 on the weekend in his first action as a Hurricane, finished the day 4-for-5 with a homer, a double, two singles, two runs scored and a run batted in. David Villasuso, who got his first start at catcher this season, went 2-for-5 with two homers and three RBI.
Closer David Gutierrez (1-0) earned the win, tossing a scoreless inning in relief a night after striking out the side for his first save. Starter Jason Santana did not factor in the decision, allowing four earned runs on six hits while striking out five in five innings of work. Relievers E.J. Encinosa, Sam Robinson and Iden Nazario all pitched well to keep the `Canes in the game late.
Charlie Law (0-1) suffered the loss for the Scarlet Knights, allowing four unearned runs on two hits while walking two and striking out two in an inning of work. Rutgers starter Willie Beard exited after allowing five runs on seven hits in five innings. Pat Biserta, Steve Nyisztor and Russ Hopkins all had two hits for the Scarlet Knights.
For the second straight day, Rutgers got on the board first, scoring a run in the top of the third on a bloop RBI single by Dan Betteridge.
The Scarlet Knights grabbed a three-run lead with a pair of runs in the fourth as Miami was its own enemy in the frame, committing three errors to go along with a lone Jarred Jimenez single.
As was the case all weekend, Miami had an immediate answer to the Scarlet Knights offensive output as the UM bats came alive in the bottom of the fourth. Following a Yasmani Grandal double to right-center to lead off the inning, Villasuso and Pelaez hit back-to-back homers to left to tie the game up at 3-3.
The lead went right back to Rutgers in the top of the fifth however, when Biserta hit his second homer of the weekend - this time a two-run shot to right-center - to put the Scarlet Knights up 5-3.
Following suit, Miami scored two of its own in the bottom of the fifth to tie it back up. Grandal brought home Stephen Perez on a sacrifice fly for the first run of the frame right before Villasuso smacked his second homer of the day to left.
The score remained tied at 5-5 until Rutgers scored a pair of runs in the top of the ninth, taking advantage of a couple of hits and crucial UM error and miscommunication on a sacrifice bunt attempt. The miscues led to a two-run double by Steve Zavala that put the Scarlet Knights up two heading into the bottom of the ninth.
Miami will return to Alex Rodriguez Park on Wednesday, Feb. 24 when Florida Gulf Coast travels across the state to take on the Hurricanes at 6 p.m.
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | February 21, 2010 at 07:00 PM
Of course I'm "concerned". Point being I'd rather watch how the kids play rather than how they workout or time in a drill. The combine, pro days, all that stuff should only be used to solidify or put some doubt in opinions already formed on the players. The main criteria has to be how they actually played.
If I had to bet I'd say McClain will do better in the shuttle and the cones than in the 40. JMO
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 07:03 PM
I see my other comments are gone... I'll be a good citizen, Comrade SOUP.
Mother, did it need to be so high...
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 07:06 PM
I HEART Mariah Carey
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 07:06 PM
WTF?
RUN mm01... RUN... it may be too late...
Posted by: DZ8 | February 21, 2010 at 07:41 PM
DZ8..."Oh by the way, which one is Pink?"
Posted by: Mariah Carey | February 21, 2010 at 07:43 PM
Big thing on McClain is Saban saying he was a coach on the field. But Dam Williams will be tough to pass up. Mount Cody probably be around when they pick in the 2nd round.
Posted by: Esteban | February 21, 2010 at 07:44 PM