Texas Tech University Athletics
Baseball Begins Spring Practice
January 08, 2006 | Baseball
Jan. 8, 2006
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech Head Baseball Coach Larry Hays and his Red Raiders hit the practice field for the first time since this fall and began preparations for the 2006 season that begins in just 27 days.
A total of 12 returning lettermen, three redshirts and 25 newcomers hit the turf at Dan Law Field today for a practice that lasted just over three hours. The Red Raiders will have to replace three positions in the infield and all three outfield spots after losses suffered from graduation and academics. Tech lost five starting seniors from last year's squad that went 34-25 but was supposed to have the services of Chris Williams who played in 54 games and made 42 starts. Williams, however, has been declared academically ineligible and will not be available for the 2006 season.
A total of six true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen will work into the mix as the 2006 season progresses and the Tech coaching staff hopes this group will be the foundation of great things to come.
"I was pleased with our workout today but we have a way to go before we are ready to play Louisiana-Monroe," said head coach Larry Hays. "We have a lot of youth on this team and they are going to have to grow up quick but I hope we have a group that can handle that."
Texas Tech will hit the practice field twice on Monday and Tuesday before classes begin on Wednesday. The Red Raiders will practice briefly at 10 a.m. inside the ATC (Athletics Training Center) before returning to Dan Law Field for a 2 p.m. practice. When classes resume on Wednesday, the team will go to it standard practice time of 2:15 p.m. each day.
Fans interested in attending practice are invited to do so but are reminded to park in proper visiting parking spaces allocated by the university.
Texas Tech opens its 2006 season on Friday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. against Louisiana-Monroe at Dan Law Field. Season tickets are currently on sale through the Texas Tech Athletics Ticket Office (806) 742-TECH, online at www.texastech.com or through any area United Supermarket/Select-A-Seat location.
