New softball park, senior leaders spark spring hopes; baseball team aims to continue last year's winning ways

Softball preview

Softball coach Tracy Bunge

With 15 of 16 letter winners from last season returning and three newcomers joining the squad in 2004, the KU softball team will have all the pieces to put together another successful season. The Jayhawks are looking for their sixth consecutive winning season, a top finish in the Big 12 and a trip far into the NCAA Tournament this year.

High expectations rest in large part on six seniors--team captain Kara Pierce, Leah Mountain, Dani May, Sylvia Pfeiffer, Sandy Smith and Mel Wallach.

"Where we go is where this senior group will lead us," head coach Tracy Bunge said. "If this group shows leadership and plays up to their abilities, we are going to go a long way in 2004. Everyone associated with this team wants to see this class go out the right way-taking the team deep into the NCAA Tournament, competing for the Big 12 Championship, having the best year we've had since I've been here."

After a disappointing 4-14 record and eighth place league finish in 2003, the Jayhawks must focus on winning in the Big 12 again. "We need to look at what strengths we have to compete at this high level," said Bunge, '87. "It starts with great pitching, and we have to be better offensively. If we achieve these things and are a little more consistent defensively, we will compete with any team in this conference and any team in the country."

After three straight tournaments on the road, Kansas will return to Lawrence for a season-opener in its new home, Arrocha Ballpark. Made possible by a $2 million donation to KU endowment. Made possible by a $2 million donation to KU Endowment from Kansas businesswoman Cheryl Womack, '75, Phase I of the project has included upgrades to the playing surface, a new drainage system, along with expanded and sunken dugouts and batting cages.

Named for Womack's father, Demostenes Arrocha, the new ballpark will eventually include seating for 800 with 300 seatback chairs, a press box, permanent public restrooms, concession area, KU store area, softball and soccer locker rooms, staff/officials locker rooms, video conferencing area and an auxiliary training room.

"Cheryl's gift has enabled the athletic department to build the best foundation for a top-notch facility," Bunge said. "It is the best playing surface in the country bar none. This team is excited and it gives them a great sense of pride when playing here."
Arrocha Ballpark will officially open on March 6, when KU hosts the Hampton Inn/Jayhawk Classic.

For more information on the KU Softball team visit www.kuathletics.com/softball/

Baseball preview

Baseball coach Ritch Price

The 2004 Jayhawk baseball team looks to continue the success of last season when KU players recorded the third-most wins in school history.

The team is led by returning starters Ryan Baty, Matt Tribble, Richie Price, all selected as Preseason All-Big 12

Baty, a Collegiate Baseball third-team Preseason All-America honoree, and Tribble were placed on the publication's first team, while Price was listed as a second-team selection.

In 2003, Baty was honored as an American Baseball Coaches Association second team All-Region selection after setting the KU record for hits in a season (97).

Tribble was a mainstay in right field for the Jayhawks. The Wheaton, Ill., native registered Kansas' longest hitting streak in school history by collecting hits in 20-straight games in 2003.

Price, a 2003 All-Big 12 honorable mention selection, started 61 of the Jayhawks' 63 games and led the team with 17 sacrifices. The San Luis Obispo, Calif., native will look to be a leader on the 2004 KU infield.

"We are excited about the upcoming season and the strides we have made during the off-season." head coach Ritch Price said. "Those
three players have been key ingredients for our success. We will definitely look for big things from all three of them throughout the 2004 season."

KU is picked to finish sixth in the Big 12 race by Baseball America and eighth by the Big 12 coaches. Coach Price is aiming to beat the predictions.

"I think the great thing about the Big 12 is-if you look at the 10 teams in the league, eight of those teams are capable of being in the top 25 at any point during the season," he said. "We understand that we have to overachieve. … We have made some strides and recognize we have a great challenge ahead of us. Our goal is to finish among the first five and make the NCAA tournament. We think we are capable of doing that if we work hard and overachieve."

The Jayhawks are currently 5-2, and their home opener is Feb. 22. There are fewer than 50 season box seats still available for purchase. General admission season tickets are available for purchase through the ticket office at Allen Fieldhouse or by phone -- 1-800-34-HAWKS.

For more information on KU Baseball visit www.kuathletics.com/baseball/