The Ball State University baseball team didn't wait for the groundhog's weather prediction before they officially opened practice for the 2009 season last week.
Around the country, teams kicked off their practice schedules the day the NCAA allows teams to increase the time spent on baseball skill activities from two hours a week to about two every day. Coach Greg Beals said his team is eager to start the season, now two weeks away.
"The guys are very optimistic; We think we have a good ballclub," Beals said. "There's a lot of energy about getting started."
Beals said his players have started live batting practice and practicing game situations. Each pitcher started out throwing two innings and the hitters got a couple at bats each.
The Cardinals will open the season Feb. 20 at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., against a team that will likely be practicing outside for most of the month.
"Furman will probably have done scrimmages," Beals said. "As a coach you have to be creative."
Ball State has been joined in winter practices by Perci Garner, who was the third-string quarterback the past two years. Garner pitched in high school, but has not played since then.
"He's kind of had a backup role in football, Perci wanted a chance to come out and play," Beals said. "We took him slow to make sure his arm's in shape. He has a future playing baseball."
As Garner tries to work into a pitching role for the Cardinals, Beals said the other big question in the lineup is where infielder/pitcher Kolbrin Vitek will play when he's not on the mound.
"He can hit and he can pitch," Beals said. "We're finding the way where he best fits our team, knowing he'll be in the everyday batting order and as a starting pitcher."
Vitek, a sophomore, was named to the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award Watch List in January. Beals said he could play third base, first base or be the designated hitter this season.
Part of that decision could be made by the early impression made by several freshmen. Beals said the play of outfielder Cody Elliot, infielder Tim Issler and first baseman Ian Nielsen may determine the team's lineup.
"Through fall ball we've worked ourselves into a pretty good idea of our starting lineup," Beals said.
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