Jan. 29, 2009
LAS VEGAS - UNLV baseball will once again hold its annual Alumni Game after having to suspend the fan-friendly contest last year due to NCAA rules, as a new ruling this year allows clubs to return to the old format of the current squad playing an alumni team.
"I am really excited that the NCAA has seen fit to reinstate the alumni game in this fashion," UNLV head coach Buddy Gouldsmith said. "I don't believe it was ever the intent of the rule that was passed to prevent the alumni game and it was unfortunate that it took a year to reinstate."
The game is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. (PT) on Feb. 7, but the day will be full of activities that fans are encouraged to come and watch. There will be a Home Run Derby among the alumni and it will be between players from each decade. Each contestant will get six swings to send as many balls as possible over the fence and a champion will be announced for each decade. From there each squad will take batting practice and infield and then the alumni will be introduced to the crowd.
UNLV has won five-straight games against the Alumni Squad dating back to the 2003 matchup, and in the latest game, which was held in 2007, the current edition of the Rebels won 22-2, putting on an offensive show. Some former Rebels who are slated to attend the festivities included Ryan Ruiz, David Seccombe, Toby Hall, Joe Maruffi, Steve Goldberg, Ben Taylor and Blake Gailen. Goldberg was the home run derby champion in 2007 while Taylor was a member of the first UNLV baseball team fielded back in 1967.
"The alumni game is always our best opportunity to prepare for the upcoming season," Gouldsmith said. "I am looking forward to the alumni fielding a competitive team and giving us a chance to test ourselves against them."
All former UNLV players are invited to attend this year's festivities and are encouraged to RSVP by calling 702-895-3499.
It will be the final tune up for this year's squad before UNLV opens its season at home against Maine on Feb. 20, at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. That is the first of 14 consecutive home games for the Rebels to open up the 2009 season, and that includes four doubleheaders.
