Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Hit the Field for First Practice
2/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 1, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - With the latest start date for the season in NCAA history on Feb. 22, the Bulldogs were able to step onto the field for the first official practice on Friday to prepare for the 2008 season.
With all of the hype and expectations for the season, the `Dogs were ranked No. 18 by Baseball America and No. 21 by College Baseball, head coach Mike Batesole was pleased with the first day of practice but knows that the team has a long ways to go.
"It was a solid first day," said Batesole. "We got a lot of defensive work done. We have a lot of work between here and where we want to go, but it was a good, solid first day."
With Steve Susdorf returning for his senior season in the outfield and all infielders returning from a 2007 team that won the WAC Championship for the second-straight year, the `Dogs themselves know this could be the year. But, coach Batesole knows that they have to keep a level head along the way.
"We've got high expectations for this club," added Batesole. "We earned some pre-season accolades and that means that the coaches across the country respect what we have done the last couple of years. We've opened some eyes but we need keep grinding away."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State baseball team opens the 2008 home season at Beiden Field with a 4-game series against UC Davis beginning Friday, February 22 at 6:05 p.m. The `Dogs will play a doubleheader on Saturday, February 23 beginning at 2:05 p.m. and a single game Sunday, February 24 at 2:05 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at (559) 485-TIX, in person at the Bulldog box office or at Beiden Field on game day.
