KU Baseball Opens Fall Practice on Friday

Sept. 29, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Head coach Ritch Price welcomes back seven starters as the University of Kansas baseball program opens fall practice on Friday, Sept. 30. KU is working towards its fourth straight 30-plus win season and aims to secure its third Big 12 Tournament bid in four years.

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Among the seven returnees, the Jayhawks return their entire infield consisting of senior Jared Schweitzer, sophomore Ryne Price, senior Ritchie Price and sophomore Erik Morrison from first to third base, respectively. Schweitzer led KU with a .366 batting average last year while Ritchie Price has started 184 consecutive games.

The Jayhawks will look to replace Sean Richardson who was a staple behind the plate the past two seasons. Vying for the position will be freshman Buck Afenir and junior college transfer Dylan Parzyk.

Seniors Gus Milner and Matt Baty, return to man KU’s outfield. Baty, a three-year starter hit .306 last season and stole 30 bases.

Competition to replace All-Big 12 selection A.J. Van Slyke will be between sophomores John Allman and Brock Simpson, and junior college transfer Kyle Murphy.

Among KU’s returning arms on the mound include Kodiak Quick (10-6, 3.41 ERA), Sean Land (5-5, 4.62 ERA) and closer Don Czyz (30 appearances, 10 saves).

Check back to kuathletics.com for updates throughout fall practice.

Click here for KU’s roster.

Click here for the 2006 schedule.