Oct. 24, 2007
Audio (Free): Interview with Coach Corbin
View Rosters for Black and Gold Intrasquad Series
NASHVILLE — Vanderbilt baseball will open its annual Black and Gold intrasquad series tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Hawkins Field.
The teams will play again on Friday at 6 p.m., before concluding on Sunday at 1 p.m. There is no game on Saturday due to the Vanderbilt-Miami (Ohio) football contest.
The three-game series concludes the Vanderbilt fall practice schedule which was extended this year due to new NCAA legislation. There is no charge for the contests and fans are encouraged to come by and get a first look at the 2008 Commodores.
“It’s been a little bit unusual this fall because we have had more practice time than ever,” said head coach Tim Corbin who is in his sixth season in Nashville. “We have a lot of older kids back and I think that’s been a good thing because they have been natural leaders for the incoming kids. So from a coaching perspective it’s good to have a third of your team lead in a direction that you had previously led them over the last three years.”
Alex Feinberg, David Macias and Brett Jacobson picked one side, while Dominic de la Osa, Brad French and Nick Christiani picked the other. A coin toss determined who picked first and the teams alternated selections until every available player was picked.
With seven position starters returning on offense, the coaching staff has focused on pitching, but those roles have not been determined upon the conclusion of fall practice.
“We are still trying to figure out parts of the puzzle in terms of pitching,” said Corbin. “That is probably my biggest issue. At this point I couldn’t really tell you where we line up as far as weekend starters, closer or middle relievers. It is to be decided.”
All three contests will be played regardless if one team wins the first two contests.
“From a coaching standpoint I want to a see a close series,” summed up Corbin. “I don’t want to see a one-sided affair. I would rather see good pitching and good at bats and clean defense. If I could see that for three days, I would be happy with it.”