Batter Up!

Tonight at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park on the beautiful campus of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, your Hurricane hardballers will take the field for the first time this season against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Led by long-time head coach Jim Morris, this year's team is ranked 28th/29th in the Country to begin the season. In spite of their lower than usual preseason ranking, the Hurricanes are always expected to compete for an ACC title and advance to the College World Series in Omaha.

And while you are at the ballpark tonight, or any night for that matter, don't forget to get yourself one of the famous, delicious milkshakes from @MarkLightShake. 

There are three new flavors for the 2013 season to go along with the traditional favorites: Chocolate Bacon, Apple Pie and The Wizard, which of course is named after the late Ron Fraser, The Wizard of College Baseball.

The Games: The Miami Hurricanes open their 2013 campaign Fri., Feb. 15 with a three-game series against visiting Rutgers University.

The Series: The Hurricanes hold a 49-12 all-time advantage over the Scarlet Knights, including nine of the last ten head-to-head contests. Miami swept a three-game set with Rutgers to open the 2012 season.  

The Broadcasts: The first two games of the series will be broadcast live on ESPN3, with Kyle Sielaff and Chris Ashby on the call. Sunday's game will be available via live video stream on Canes All-Access.

WQAM 560 will broadcast at Mark Light for Friday's opener, with Joe Zagacki (play-by-play) and Mike Levine (color) on the call. WVUM 90.5 will carry all three games against Rutgers.

The Coach: Jim Morris is in his 34th season as a head coach and 20th with the Miami Hurricanes. He has a 1,485-629-4 (.701) career record, including a 850-321-3 mark at Miami, where he has guided the team to two National Championships (1999, 2001).

The Weather: Projected temperatures at first pitch: Friday: 63° | Saturday: 47°| Sunday: 64°

UM baseball (@CanesBaseball on Twitter) 2013 Quick Hits:

•  Head coach Jim Morris will open his 20th season at the helm of the storied Miami baseball program. The Hurricanes, who qualified for their NCAA-record 40th straight postseason in 2012, finished just one game short of an Atlantic Coast Conference title during the 2012 ACC Championship in Greensboro, N.C.

• The Hurricanes return position players that helped pave the way to one of 16 host sites for the first round of the 2012 NCAA Division I Championship. Among the team's returning starting field players: 2012 All- ACC Tournament selection Chantz Mack, speedy outfielder Dale Carey, and consistent infielder Brad Fieger.

• In addition to its talented lineup, Miami returns many of the key pitchers who guided the team to the second- lowest ERA of any squad in the Atlantic Coast Conference (3.16). Among the team's most important hurlers: senior ace Eric Whaley (2.68 ERA), preseason All-American reliever AJ Salcines (1.40 ERA, seven saves), and a pair of lefties coming off injury-shortened seasons: junior Bryan Radziewski and sophomore Andrew Suarez.

• Miami's run to the 2012 ACC Championship Game ended with a loss to Georgia Tech. Despite losing their open ing tournament game to NC State, the Hurricanes reeled off wins against North Carolina and Wake Forest to qualify for the finale, where Miami fell just one game short of its second ACC Championship in program history.

• After a strong showing in the conference tournament, the Hurricanes were one of 16 teams chosen to host the first round of the postseason. Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field played host to Missouri State, UCF and College World Series participant Stony Brook.

• In 2013, the Hurricanes will be bolstered by a recruiting class ranked in the top 10 nationally by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. The Hurricanes' incoming class is highlighted by junior transfer Alex Hernandez (Palm Beach State), David Thompson (Miami, Fla.),
infielder Brandon Lopez (Miramar, Fla.) and outfielder Grant Heyman (Pittsford, N.Y.).

Related articles

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Miami Hurricanes baseball team unranked, undaunted as season begins

Note To FSU: Consider Yourself Conquered

Room For Improvement

Comments

[canezilla]

PLAY BALL!!!

[Lou of m]

1st?

[Sinistercane]

First

[Lou]

Primero

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Typepad spam filter says . . . 'ZILLA in there ahead of the tag attempt!

[The Dude]

Rolle!

[nemo2002]

Yo!

[WWIN]

WWIN: ok, so we have Corn and Herb Waters. We need to start keeping tabs LOL

Posted by: CGNC | February 15, 2013 at 02:28 PM

I'm keeping mental track of it lol. Herb is my boy but I'm not sold for LOF for him yet

Here's my list of candidates for offense,

Morris*
Dorsett
Scott
Hurns
Duke*
Herb
Lewis

*should be excluded for LOF

[canezilla]

SAFE!!!!!!

[86Cane]

WWIN...this year Morris, Duke and Dorsett will be excluded from the LOF.

[86Cane]

WWIN...On defense for LOF everyone is eligible, including coaches, the water boy, the punter, the goal post, the Sunsations and even OGV.

[86Cane]

Jim Morris: Opening game postponed due to rain. Double header Saturday starting at 2:00. Hope to c u tomorrow at opening game!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Lol 86.

[86Cane]

Don't worry Terrance, U are still eligible for dating Mrs. Feliciano or a drunk blond chic from some other tailgate IF U get my drift? LOL

[UpNorthCane27]

My boy DUKE throwing shots .... I Love it!!! Old school cane mentality

https://mobile.twitter.com/DukeJohnson_8/status/302513736827154433

[CaneRock]

Red Boxers, use the promo code DVDONME, and receive a free rental from RB.

That is all, TY ladies and gentlemen. Curtsy Left, aaaaand...Curtsy Right.

[86Cane]

Anthony Chickillo‏@Chickillo71

Nothing will be the same

HMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm...

[Ohio_Cane]

86, have the staff check on Ainuu Taua, 4* DT and #124 in Rivals

[Ohio_Cane]

^^ He's interested in UM and would love to play there. Leader is UCLA right now, but he'd be fine making the hike to SoFL

[86Cane]

Ohio...will do, thanks for the 411.

[86Cane]

Opening night in college baseball:

Duke 4, Gators 3

Somewhere, Six is crying out loud.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

But is he hitting a tire with a hammer yet is the real question SOUP?

[Fish]

LOF = the Corn

[The Dude]

WWiN, I'm not sure if Lewis will be ready. Anyone know his status? Our whole WR core is so fast. 2013 we are making a comeback. Our talent coming in is long and athletic. A few project guys but that's a good thing. Let them develop a little. The new OC just needs to catch up to Morris and Co. D'No needs to learn to coach in anyway possible. We can win 10 games next year. With Fisch here I think we would for sure.

[Anthonyjmanis]

OGV-you are correct...I am youngin(33). However I am an old cane from 89 trust me. When I tell people of canes like Rust Maderias not 89 but just an example and what he did to Penn State back in the day I was probably ten when we won that game 26-20 and then the people know I know my canes. I was there in my teen years watching the probation teams too.Player to the likes of(Yatil Green 1st rd dolphin pick lol,Jammi Germaine,Ryan Collins and Clements,Termian Mack Ryan McNiel etc.)After the tuff probation years were over it got better with players like Edge,James Jackson,Reggie Wayne the aforementioned Brent Romberg,Dan Morgan,Santa Moss again etc etc.....We know what happened and who came next. I'M TELLING YOU HAVE FAITH BRA history always has and repeats itself. When the ncaa cloud moves to another school we will blossom. All we need is Al G and 3/4 of a competent assistant staff that will cover for Dno.
PS I'm not talking NC but I think If CGNC is right 9-3 that my friend should be the bear minimum. One more thing I may be young but I truly bleed OnG I cried when we lost to WVU mid 90s. I was with my parents at car dealership the game was on in the lounge. WE GOT SOME CANES OVER HERE!!!!

[Anthonyjmanis]

86 can verify I got the canespace shirts and coffee mugs to him no charge. Little late sorry but nonetheless my lol girl bleeds it too here LOF last year was Jacory but she's a Steven Morris guy and AG is her Prince. Dude have heart. You were at the ball game you felt it it's momentum and its rolling over an ACC team near you. Who would be a good realistic DC we can get? This place GOT elder right?

[Anthonyjmanis]

Sorry I was off topic for that catch Darel Carey made in the regional against uf I knew he would ball out and this is his year. Just like the bball not being ranked. US against the world baby. We've suffered enough. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

JCane, Wannstedt.

[Anthonyjmanis]

MARIO interviewing for online at Bama per Herald wtf smh.

[WWIN]

Ole Nick Sabin has a pipeline for O-line coaches from da U I guess

[hazydavy]

Mario, WTF?
Bkake / Shalala....you know you can ask these people before you hire them about their intentions.

[86Cane]

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

Posted by: Anthonyjmanis | February 16, 2013 at 12:50 AM

We ready, WE READY!

[86Cane]

I would be shocked IF Mario goes anywhere.

SHOCKED

Do NOT think it will happen.

[86Cane]

THE BLOG IS FIXED!!!

[DeployedDiehardCane]

86, have the staff check on Ainuu Taua, 4* DT and #124 in Rivals

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 15, 2013 at 09:41 PM
-------------------------------------------------------
Seen his highlight tape, I think the staff should definitely offer. Quick hands, versatile, and a mean-ass Samoan. Would be a great addition. (Oh no but he's out of state, blah,blah, and not from south fla, blah, blah) <---Luke and Sileo

On a side note how is Malcolm Lewis' ankle coming along? Oh and S/O to Alin for reppin them T-Breds right and committing to that U. Class of 01 baby!

[Canesfan_1]

I would be shocked IF Mario goes anywhere.

SHOCKED

Do NOT think it will happen.

Posted by: 86Cane | February 16, 2013 at 09:09 AM

Oh oh. The kiss of death. Cristobal's gone for sure, now. LOL

Please explain why you would be shocked. Shocked if he was offered or shocked if he accepted?

In all truthfulness, I wouldn't be so sure. Saban is a savvy operator, I'm pretty sure if he thought this was just a courtesy interview, he wouldn't waste his time.

The real question is if Cristobal was offered the job, would he take it? Why would you interview with the most powerful man in college football, to piss him off and say no if he offered? While at the same time pissing off your current employer? No, I think Cristobal is serious about this and may very well accept if offered.

Think about it. If he's offered and doesn't accept, he's pissed off Saban, and broken the trust with, and pissed off Golden. Two head coaches who you've now pissed off. That's not a good career move.

I think it all really depends on who Alabama chooses. There are at least 2 other guys in the process and if one of those is their first choice, and accepts, we're getting Cristobal back by default.

[TonyCane]

The Dude, based on talent alone we should win 10 games. The only teams on our schedule with a higher collection of 4 and 5* players are Florida and FSU.

[Mia Chi 'Cane '98]

I sent this email last summer but if anyone is interested custom elite Miami Hurricane Nike Basketball socks let me know. They are green socks with an orange stripe on the back and an orange swoosh. I have sold a bunch on eBay.

U cannot find these socks in stores. They are great to play hoops and football in. Super Comfortable. Also a great way to support your 'Canes. Socks are $18 + $5 shipping. Socks are a Large which fit 8 -12 Men's. I can send pics to anyone is interested.

Thanks for your time and go 'Canes!

[86Cane]

Fan_1...shocked IF he accepted.

[86Cane]

Fan_1...I love people like U:

Me: Do U see the glass as half empty?

U: What glass, I can't even SEE the glass?

[Canesfan_1]

Ok, thanks.

I'm just not "feeling" it. Why on earth would you interview with Saban to say "no". Who is the most stable coach? Program? Most likely to be intact 5 years from now? Be honest.

If we weren't Canes fans, which would we say is the better job? One that could result in future upward mobility more quickly?

I think just throwing his hat in the ring was a major move. Golden can't be happy about this, I just don't see him also pissing off Saban by saying no to him. I also think he's already burned some bridges by doing this anyway.

That's just my analysis, of course, but I'm basing it on just common workplace sense.

[Canesfan_1]

I just read your second message, 86.

I'm actually trying to be logical and analytical about this. Which is admittedly hard to do, since we don't know what kind of conversations Golden and Cristobal have had, or what they are thinking. If I were to just let my emotions take over, I would have very different remarks. But I don't see this as a half glass type of situation.

It's all just speculation, I was just trying to apply some trains of thought, based on work and career dynamics.

[UMike]

I said it as soon as Mario was hired he wouldnt be here long. Saban knows how well Mario can recruit South Florida...bye bye Mario

[orange 'n green in the vein]

I always saw the Cristobal hire as a pressure reducing move seeing as how Mario was probably suspect #1 to take over for a fired Al Golden when his college roomie drools all over the weekly game-plan this year and the team underachieves for the third year in a row again. Mario probably realized this quickly and decided to either make more money helping Al secure his job stability by being in demand at the real standard bearer in the game right now or take more cash to reposition himself on the outside ready to sweep in and claim the head coaching office when the inevitable MAC meltdown occurs in week two.

Or he couldn't take the man in the big hat constantly reminding him how many record numbers of sacks the one year he coached the offensive line after Art got fired gave up to the opposition. One of the three, I'm not sure which one or in what combination.

[86Cane]

I said it as soon as Mario was hired he wouldnt be here long. Saban knows how well Mario can recruit South Florida...bye bye Mario

Posted by: UMike | February 16, 2013 at 11:16 AM

There's another guy without his sippy cup. Damn, they are everywhere! Just for the record I did not say Mario is NOT leaving. I said I would be SHOCKED if he did.

Could Mario go to Bama for mo $$$? Sure.

Would he go and leave Golden who basically came to his rescue? Probably not.

Will he go? I do not think so (and I hope not).

But since UMike has Mario playing a well known Eagles song ("Already Gone") on his car radio then we might as well go ahead and hire WWIN to take his place. He is a better recruiter anyway. LOL

[orange 'n green in the vein]

I'd rather have $neaky's kid back doing nothing at TE coach with Coley looking over his shoulder and hire a real WR coach instead, personally, if Mario dips.

[Canesteeler]

If Mario is still interviewing college jobs send his ass packing. Either you are loyal or not! I have no problem with him looking to go to the league but another college job, HELL NO!

[Canesteeler]

For

[Canesfan_1]

So looking at a situation realistically means I need a sippy cup? Because I wouldn't be shocked if he did leave. I hope he doesn't leave, because if nothing else he's good for recruiting, but sorry, I don't drink koolaid. Put some bourbon in that sippy cup instead.

For the record, I support Golden and his coaches strongly (Ono - not so much) but I'm not so blinded by Golden's hair gel that I can't look at a situation in a way which I think is realistic. Maybe he doesn't leave, I hope not, but to be honest, my initial, emotional, reaction to Cristobal was: "get lost, punk, this is disrespectful". Especially after just a month. But I walked back from that emotional reaction.

[86Cane]

Put some bourbon in that sippy cup instead.

Posted by: Canesfan_1 | February 16, 2013 at 01:44 PM

Certainly, that can be arranged, then I will join U! LOL

Usually people fall into one of two camps: The Optimists or The Pessimists, with The Realists allegedly somewhere in between. U call yourself a "Realist" but IMHO nothing could be further from the truth. That is not a critique of you or saying that you are wrong, or that it is good or bad, it just is what it is.

There are a MILLION good and valid reasons why Mario would go on this interview AND why Golden would want him to. I do not have time to go into them right now but trust me I will in a future blog feature. Now, I am off to but some more hair gel...I am running low again.

BLOG ON!