FIU baseball opens season Feb. 20 at University Park


Season opener at University Park on Friday, Feb. 19, brings back All-Conference players from last year and introduces an outstanding incoming class.

By Isadora Rangel

The FIU baseball team opens its 2009 season with a three-games series against Jacksonville this Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m, at University Park’s Baseball Stadium. The Golden Panthers continue their play on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

In his second season at the helm of FIU’s baseball program, head coach Turtle Thomas has amassed one of the country’s Top 15 recruiting classes, according to Perfect Game Crosschecker. Thomas is known for his exceptional recruiting skills.

Junior-college (JUCO) transfer Scott Rembisz is expected to have a great impact Friday night and throughout the season. Named 2008 Florida JUCO Pitcher of the Year and JUCO All-American, he starts in the pitching position for FIU, a needed improvement from last season.

Scott Rembisz is a key addition to the FIU pitching rotation. Photo courtesy Samuel Lewis.

Scott Rembisz is a key addition to the FIU pitching rotation. Photo courtesy Samuel Lewis.

The Golden Panthers are led by senior second baseman Ryan Mollica and junior first baseman/outfielder Tyler Townsend, both named to the 2009 Preseason All-Sunbelt Conference Team. Mollica was also named to the Preseason 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Watch List and led the team last year in batting average (.413), on-base percentage (.483) and doubles (23).

Students with a valid ID receive free admission to the games. FIU faculty and staff as well as children and seniors can purchase a ticket at the stadium for $5. Everyone else can purchase a ticket for $7.

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