University of North Carolina Athletics
Baseball: Notes From The Left Coast
June 21, 1999 | Baseball
March 8, 1999
Baseball: Notes From the Left Coast
The Heels are through the first day of a nine-day stint in Fresno,
California. The following is a brief account of their travel to sunny Cal and
an outlook of the week to come.
The Long Road West
After pulling out of Boshamer Stadium on Saturday promptly at 8:15am, Head
coach Mike Fox remarked that this trip had started out perfectly. About nine
hours later, as he stared out at a snow covered O'hare International Airport
in Chicago, Coach Fox realized that he may have jumped the gun in judging this
venture. The snow was so intense in wind-swept Chicago that the Heels were
delayed in takeoff by three hours and missed their connection for San Jose.
When they finally arrived at the team hotel around 12 midnight Pacific time
(3:00am Tar Heel Time), Carolina Baseball looked more like a group of weary
traveling salesmen in crooked ties and wrinkled shirts than a top ranked
baseball squad. When asked about the trip, Coach Fox simply responded that
"We're just happy to be here," and after a short pause he follows with
"finally!."
Heels Recover to Have Great Practice on Sunday
With the basketball team's play in Charlotte first priority on Sunday
morning, the team moved practice to Sunday afternoon. Surprisingly, everyone
seemed lively and up-beat following their less than pleasant journey cross-
country. Practice was very productive and enthusiastic according to the
coaching staff, and the team seems to be focused on winning the six game
tournament about to begin.
California Dreamin'
So far, the trip has been worth it, however; as many of the team members
enjoyed the 70 degree temperatures. This week looks to be the best weather
Carolina Baseball has seen all year. Many of the team members even took a dip
in the hotel's swimming pool following practice, with others opting for the
outdoor jacuzzi.
Snyder Goes for Fifth Straight Victory
When Carolina takes the field at 4:00 on Monday afternoon, junior Kyle Snyder
will be looking for his fifth victory of the season. Snyder, one of the top
major league prospects in the nation, has attracted a huge following of major
league scouts this year, and this week gives the west coast scouts a chance to
get their look at him. It would be a pretty safe bet that there will be more
than a few radar guns in the stands focused on the 6'8" hurler.
Heels Look to Continue Record Start
UNC baseball has never had a better start in its 110+ year history. The Tar
Heels are a dazzling 12-0 going into this week's Pepsi-Johnnie Quik Classic,
and hope to continue the unbeaten streak against New Mexico on Monday.
Godwin Questionable for New Mexico
Carolina starting left fielder Tyrell Godwin is questionable for the game
against the Lobos as of Sunday afternoon. Godwin is suffering from a very
sore throat and flu-like symptoms. After being seen by a Fresno State team
physician, Tyrell was placed on antibiotics to clear up the illness. A
decision on his status will be made just prior to the game on Monday.
FOLLOW TARHEELBLUE.COM FOR RAPID UPDATES ON ALL SIX OF CAROLINA'S GAMES IN
FRESNO THIS WEEK!
y: Travis Everette, Carolina Baseball
