Jan. 29, 2010

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's baseball team opened preseason practice Friday afternoon with a session at Latham Stadium, ahead of expected inclement weather predicted for the Greenville area over the weekend.

"We're glad to get out on the field and get underway," said head coach Ron Smith, who is entering his 17th year at the helm of Furman's program. "We were very encouraged with our squad in the fall, and they've put in a lot of work in preparation for the season. Now it's time to start putting it together."

The Paladins, who open the season on Feb. 19 against Michigan State at Fluor Field, return 21 lettermen off last year's squad, which posted a 24-31 overall record and 10-20, eighth place Southern Conference mark.

Among the returnees are 12 pitchers and nine position players.

Furman's strength appears to be its pitching, where 10 of the squad's top 12 performers are back, including senior RHP Ian Parry (3-6, 4.15 ERA), who ranked fourth in the SoCon in strikeouts (86) a year ago in 77 2/3 inning of work. Senior RHP Nick Karow (1-1, 3.80 ERA, 4 saves) gives Furman one of the SoCon's most experienced closers as evidenced by his 16 career saves.

Key returnees in the field include junior third baseman Brian Harrison (.303, 12 HR, 43 RBI), junior shortstop J.B. Jenkins (.255, 2 HR, 8 RBI), sophomore right fielder Will Miller (.253, 6 HR, 27 RBI), along with junior designated hitters Reese Wade (.315, 0 HR, 34 RBI), and Aaron Thompkins (.279, 0 HR, 14 RBI), who batted a team leading .364 in Great Lakes League action this past summer.