University of North Carolina Athletics
Diamond Heels Begin Busy Summer
June 21, 2004 | Baseball
June 21, 2004
CHAPEL HILL - While the eyes of the college baseball world are currently focused on Omaha, Neb., and the 2004 College World Series, several members of the North Carolina baseball team are already taking steps to make sure the Tar Heels make a serious run at their first trip to Omaha since 1989 next season.
Highlighted by Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year Daniel Bard's tryout with Team USA, eight Tar Heels are currently involved in various summer leagues. Left-hander Andrew Miller and infielder Greg Mangum are both playing in the Cape Cod League. Outfielders Jay Cox, Mike Daniel and Blair Waggett, as well as righty Jonathan Hovis and infielder Brack Massey are all playing closer to home in the Coastal Plain League.
The USA National Team trials begin Monday in Durham, and Bard is vying for a spot on the 20-man roster, which will be selected June 27. The team will represent the United States at 2004 II FISU World University Baseball Championships in Chinese Taipei, July 23-August 1. Follow the team's progress at www.usabaseball.com.
Miller, who is playing with the Chatham Athletics, and Mangum, who is with the Bourne Braves, opened play on the Cape, June 17. Miller has made one start, allowing just one hit and striking out 12 in six innings n a victory over Yarmouth-Dennis on June 18. More information will be available throughout the season at www.capecodbaseball.org.
In the Coastal Plain League, Cox is playing with Fayetteville, Daniel with Peninsula, Hovis with Gastonia and Massey and Waggett with Wilmington. League play opened June 3. Hovis worked 2.1 scoreless innings in his lone pitching outing of the season. Cox has played in five games and driven in three runs, while Daniel has one homer in seven games. Massey has played 16 games for Wilmington and is tied for the team lead with 11 RBI. Keep track of the Tar Heels in the CPL this season at www.coastalplain.com.
