The Book: 2004 Baseball

[Turbine]

If I heard correctly, Robe said he will sit in some classs to make sure the kids show up.

[Turbine]

The picture doesn't capture how well the new lights light up the field. Let me tell you, the field is lit up, it is nice.

[RaisingCajun08]

Did they happen to move the light poles back also? It is hard to tell from the pictures but it doesnt look like they did.

[CAJUNJUDO]

It would be nice if they did move the light poles back, but I doubt that they did. I've had to move a couple of times because they were in the way. It seems like they would have put them outside (behind) the bleachers to begin with.

[RedBug58]

The first thing that I noticed when the new bleachers were put in was the light pole within the stands. I never understood that, but I guess it just cost too much to move it????

[NewsCopy]

This is the first of a four-part series of stories on Louisiana’s 2004 baseball squad. The Ragin’ Cajuns open their season Friday at 6:35 p.m. against Sam Houston State. Today: The Infield.

LOUISIANA La. — University of Louisiana’s baseball squad has exceptional depth in the infield for the 2004 season. That depth would be even better were it not for Jameson Parker’s hand.

The highly-touted junior college shortstop’s nagging hand injury hasn’t healed, and a recent second surgery puts him out of the Cajun picture for this season.

Many teams might panic. The Cajuns are just rolling someone else to that position. Such is the level of infield talent that’s available this season.

“We’re fortunate we have some guys that can move around the diamond if somebody goes down hurt,” said Cajun head coach Tony Robichaux. “We can also do some pinch-hitting, do a lot of lefty-righty and make defensive changes as we need.”

Three regular starters are back, and they’ve all got help in the form of junior college and freshman newcomers who will all see playing time.

The unit is anchored by third baseman Dallas Morris (.299), a two-year performer who has improved steadily since being thrown into it as a freshman.

“I’ve been coaching 16 years,” Robichaux said, “and I’d give him the vote as the best defensive third baseman I’ve coached. The only thing he has to do to make his game complete is cut down the holes in his swing and his strikeouts, and he’s worked hard at that.”

The other returning starters are junior Phillip Hawke (.305) at first base and senior Brad Saloom (.244) at second. Justin Bourque (.260 in 2002), the second-base starter two seasons ago, also returns after a year of academic ineligibility.

“Phillip had an excellent fall,” Robichaux said. “He’s always had the physical strength, and he’s now becoming a smarter hitter. It gives us a great opportunity when our five-hole hitter can be patient, draw walks and give us opportunities to score even more.

The rest of the story

Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@lafayette.gannett.com

[CajunKate]

I was able to attend the game protion of fan day. I missed the autograph session and homerun contest. The pros won the homerun contest, but the Cajuns won the game. It was a fun experience, and there were a goodly number of people out to watch the game. I ALWAYS enjoy the baseball games, so I am a little disappointed that I will miss the season opener, but not too much because I will be down in New Orleans to watch the basektball team.

Here are a few pictures to appease those who couldn't attend to day and our out of state posters.

[CajunKate]

First base shot

[CajunKate]

End of game handshakes

[RaginRash]

thanks kate!