15 23 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIBERTY BASEBALL What They re Saying About Liberty Baseball 2 Flames and Professional Baseball 3 All-Time Honors 6 Covering the Flames 8 Travel Information/Radio 9 Worthington Stadium 10 Crowder/Muckel Field House 11 2008 Outlook 12 Strength and Conditioning 14 MEET THE STAFF Head Coach Jim Toman 16 Assistant Coach Scott Jackson 18 Assistant Coach Nick Schnabel 19 Assistant Coach Jeremiah Boles 20 Sports Medicine Staff 21 Support Staff 22 MEET THE FLAMES Numerical Roster 24 Pronunciation Guide 24 Alphabetical Roster 25 Geographical Roster 25 Player Profiles 26 Photo Roster 38 2008 BASEBALL QUICK FACTS School.........................Liberty University Location.........................Lynchburg, Va. Founded.................................1971 Enrollment.........10,400 (Resident), 28,600 (Total) Colors......................Red, White and Blue Nickname..............................Flames Mascot..................................Eagle Conference.......................... Big South Founder........................Dr. Jerry Falwell Chancellor..................... Jerry Falwell, Jr. Executive Vice President..........Dr. Ron Godwin Athletics Director.....................Jeff Barber Athletic Phone...................(434) 582-2100 Head Baseball Coach.. Jim Toman (N.C. State, 85, 95) Record at Liberty..................... First Year Career Record.......................... Same Baseball Office Phone.............(434) 582-2103 Baseball Office Fax:............. (434) 582-2912 Assistant Coaches... Scott Jackson (Campbell, 98).................Nick Schnabel (East Carolina, 00)................................Jeremiah Boles Athletic Trainer................ Scott Lawrenson Strength and Conditioning Coach..... Matt Hagen TABLE OF CONTENTS 39 49 57 79 This publication has been produced by the Liberty University Athletic Media Relations Office Editor: Ryan Bomberger. Assistant Editors: Todd Wetmore, Vincent Briedis and Paul Carmany. Contributors: Owen Benson, Dwayne Groff, Brad Johnson and Jim Toman. Cover Photography: Les Schofer. Contributing Photographers: Bob DuVaul, Don Garlock, Kevin Giedd, Jamie Hall, Tim Lyons, Jeff Raymond, Les Schofer, Brian Sennett, Corkey Trewin, Barry Whitten and the LU Archives. Layout/Typesetting: Ryan Bomberger and Heather Lehosit, Morgantown Printing and Binding,Morgantown, W.Va. - Printing: Morgantown Printing and Binding, Morgantown, W.Va. 2008 OPPONENTS Opponent Profiles 40 Flames Series Results 48 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW 2007 Season in Review 50 2007 Flames Statistics 52 2007 Flames Results 53 The Big South Conference 54 2007 All-Conference Teams 55 2007 Conference Statistics 55 Past Big South Champions 55 2007 Big South Tournament Review 55 2007 Big South Statistical Leaders 56 RECORDS Chronology 58 Individual Records 60 Team Records 62 Season Top 10 63 Top Career Performances 64 Year-by-Year Team Batting and Pitching 65 Year-by-Year Leaders 66 Year-by-Year Results 67 Flames in the Postseason 74 The Last Time 74 Year-by-Year Coaching Summary 74 All-Time Roster 76 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY The University 80 The University Administration 83 Athletics Director Jeff Barber 84 Athletics Department/Senior Staff 84 Athletic Adminstration 85 Athletic Excellence 87 Academic Services 88 2007 Record............................ 36-25 Conference Record................... 14-7/3rd Letterwinners Returning/Lost............... 18/6 Starting Position Players Returning/Lost...... 6/3 Pitchers Returning/Lost (Min. 30 IP)...........5/2 Newcomers.................................9 Liberty s All-Time Record......... 911-730-7 (.555) Seasons...................................34 Stadium............... Worthington Stadium/1,000 Stadium Dimensions (L to R).....325-375-390-375-325 Surface......................... Bermuda Grass Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations......................................Todd Wetmore Office Phone.................... (434) 582-2292 Cell Phone...................... (434) 841-8974 Fax............................ (434) 582-2076 E-Mail Address..............twetmore@liberty.edu AMR/Baseball Contact.......... Ryan Bomberger Office Phone.................... (434) 582-2605 Cell Phone......................(434) 221-5576 E-Mail Address........... rbomberger@liberty.edu Asst. Athletic Media Relations Director Vincent Briedis Office Phone.................... (434) 582-2294 E-Mail Address............. vebriedis@liberty.edu Asst. Athletic Media Relations Director............................................Paul Carmany Office Phone.................... (434) 582-2604 E-Mail Address............ pjcarmany@liberty.edu Press Box Phone................ (434) 582-2914 Web Site................ www.libertyflames.com Liberty Flames Baseball 1
WHAT THEY RE SAYING ABOUT LIBERTY BASEBALL Liberty has hired one of the great men in all of college baseball. He is a fantastic coach and a great recruiter. South Carolina head baseball coach Ray Tanner I think Liberty could be a gold mine. Jim Toman will do a great job there because he is a great recruiter... The administration has made a great commitment to he and his staff. -Southern College Coach (Southeastern 80: Liberty - SEBaseball.com, 1/14/2008) Departure of Toman a big loss. by Ron Morris of The State (Columbia, S.C. newspaper 6/25/2007) Toman was given ample resources to lure quality assistant coaches. A master recruiter himself, the head coach brought in a young aggressive staff that will scour the nation for talent. -A Good Time to Be at Liberty by Mark Etheridge (SEBaseball.com 7/31/2007) Coach Toman is a recruiting wizard and a recent National Assistant Coach of the Year while at South Carolina. Liberty is a rapidly approaching East Coast powerhouse. - Arizona Western Head Baseball Coach John Stratton Watch out Big South, here come the Flames. - A Good Time to Be at Liberty by Mark Etheridge (SEBaseball.com 7/31/2007) "He's a baseball guy. He eats, drinks and sleeps baseball. He has a great rapport with the players. He's just a baseball guy through and through." - Liberty Athletics Director Jeff Barber (Liberty Inks Toman - Lynchburg News & Advance 6/25/2007) "If you have 11.7 scholarships, nice facilities, a strong academic system, and hard-working coaches, you can have success no matter who you are," Toman said. "College baseball has never been better. I think with the television and the ticket sales, the sport is healthy. These schools see what others have done and feel they can emulate. Jeff Barber was at South Carolina and saw it first hand. He wants to bring that here. The football team is in the top 25 in Division I-AA with an eye on potentially moving to Division I. The whole program has a top 25 D-I philosophy. - Liberty Head Coach Jim Toman (A Good Time to Be at Liberty - SEBaseball.com 7/31/2007) 2 Liberty Flames Baseball
FLAMES IN THE MAJORS FLAMES IN THE MAJORS Sid Bream - 1B Years at Liberty : 1979-81 12 Years in the Majors Major League Debut: Sept. 1, 1983 1983-85 Los Angeles Dodges 1985-90 Pittsburgh Pirates 1991-93 Atlanta Braves 1994 Houston Astros Lee Guetterman - RHP Years at Liberty : 1978-81 11 Years in the Majors Major League Debut: Sept. 12, 1984 1984-87 Seattle Mariners 1988-92 New York Yankees 1992 New York Mets 1993 St. Louis Cardinals 1995-96 Seattle Mariners Randy Tomlin - LHP Years at Liberty : 1986-88 Five Years in Majors Major League Debut: Aug. 6, 1990 1990-94 Pittsburgh Pirates Doug Brady - 2B Years at Liberty : 1989-91 One Year in Majors Major League Debut: Sept. 5, 1995 1995 Chicago White Sox Liberty Flames Baseball 3
4FLAMES AND PRO BASEABALL FLAMES AND PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL 1976 Clay Elliot, SS Atlanta Braves Drafted 10th Round 1982 Renard Brown, OF Seattle Mariners Drafted 3rd Round 1989 Jamey Mason, C California Angels Drafted 51st Round 1993 Rich Humphrey, RHP Houston Astros Drafted 57th Round 1976 Jeff Mincey, C Pittsburgh Pirates Drafted 21st Round 1986 Pat Sipe, 1B Montreal Expos 1989 Doug Reynolds, C Baltimore Orioles Drafted 33rd Round 1994 Terry Weaver, 3B Cincinnati Reds Drafted 23rd Round 1995 San Francisco Giants Drafted 21st Round 1978 Bernie Young, OF Chicago White Sox 1986 Niles Creekmore, RHP Montreal Expos 1990 Frank Speek, RHP St. Louis Cardinals Drafted 26th Round 1995 Jason Baker, OF Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 Sid Bream, 1B Los Angeles Dodgers Drafted 2nd Round 1987 Clint Horsley, RHP St. Louis Cardinals Drafted 29th Round 1990 Todd Samples, OF Montreal Expos Drafted 9th Round 1996 Danny Hodges, LHP Chicago Cubs Drafted 41st Round Liberty Flames Baseball 1981 Lee Guetterman, LHP Seattle Mariners Drafted 4th Round 1988 Randy Tomlin, LHP Pittsburgh Pirates Drafted 18th Round 1991 Doug Brady, SS Chicago White Sox Drafted 12th Round 1997 David Benham, C New York Mets Drafted 41st Round 1998 Boston Red Sox Drafted 12th Round 1982 Doug Smith, RHP Minnesota Twins Drafted 28th Round 1989 Tony Beasley, 2B Baltimore Orioles Drafted 19th Round 1992 Rodney Ashby, RHP Chicago Cubs 1998 Jason Benham, 3B Baltimore Orioles Drafted 37th Round
FLAMES AND PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL 1998 David Dalton, SS Atlanta Braves 1998 Tim Harrell, RHP Los Angeles Dodgers Drafted 20th Round 1998 Phil Kojack, RHP Pittsburgh Pirates 1998 Benji Miller, RHP San Francisco Giants Drafted 21st Round 1998 Steve Wright, OF Seattle Mariners Drafted 17th Round 2000 Brian Adams, LHP Boston Red Sox Drafted 8th Round FLAMES AND PRO BASEBALL 2000 Dan Valentin, RHP Oakland Athletics Drafted 31st Round 2004 Tampa Bay Devil Rays Signed as Free Agent 2000 Scottie Scott, C Cleveland Indians 2001 Josh Brey, LHP St. Louis Cardinals Drafted 4th Round 2002 Joey Monahan, SS Chicago Cubs Drafted 7th Round 2002 Keith Butler, CF Chicago Cubs Drafted 10th Round 2002 Matt Hagen, 3B Seattle Mariners Drafted 12th Round 2002 Jonathan Schneider, RHP Pittsburgh Pirates Drafted 15th Round 2002 Steve Baker, OF San Diego Padres Drafted 29th Round 2003 Larry Wayne York, 2B Montreal Expos Drafted 14th Round 2003 Erich Cloninger, C Boston Red Sox Drafted 35th Round 2004 Jason Jones, RHP New York Yankees Drafted 4th Round 2005 David Bechtold, LHP Colorado Rockies Drafted 28th Round LIBERTY PLAYERS CURRENTLY IN PRO BASEBALL (AS OF THE END OF 2007) Players Name Level Team (Organization) Jason Jones AA Trenton (New York Yankees) Matt Hagen Ind. Rockford Michael Just Ind. River City 2006 Michael Solbach, RHP Arizona Diamondbacks Drafted 48th Round 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks Drafted 19th Round 2007 Garrett Young,OF Boston Red Sox Drafted 46th Round 2007 Phillip Laurent, OF San Diego Padres 2007 Michael Just, 2B Houston Astros Phillip Laurent Ind. River City Arizona Fall Padres (SanDiego) Management Tony Beasley Third Base Coach Pittsburgh Pirates Sid Bream Hitting Coach A State College (Pittsburgh) Randy Tomlin Pitching Coach AA Potmac (Washington) Liberty Flames Baseball 5
ALL-TIME HONORS All-Americans First Team 1981 Sid Bream NAIA, NABC 1981 Renard Brown NAIA Second Team 1981 Darrell Manuel NAIA Preseason All-Americans 2006 Aaron Grijalva, 1B Louisville Slugger/Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-Americans First Team 2000 Keith Butler Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America 2005 Aaron Grijalva Louisville Slugger/ Collegiate Baseball Second Team 2000 Joey Monahan Baseball America LEFT SIDE - Counter Clockwise from top: Richard DeWitt, Doug Brady and Matt Stewart Sid Bream ALL-TIME HONORS RIGHT SIDE - Clockwise from top: Renard Brown, Jason Benham and Phillip Thompson CoSIDA Academic All-American College Division First Team 1980 Richard DeWitt University Division Third Team 1998 Jason Benham Brooks Wallace National Player of the Year Preseason Watch List 2007 Garrett Young ABCA All-Atlantic Region First Team 1991 Doug Brady, Chris Robbins 2000 Josh Brey 2004 Jeremiah Boles Second Team 1998 Steve Wright ECAC All-Star Team First Team 1991 Doug Brady 1998 Jason Benham Second Team 1992 Danny Brahn 1998 Steve Wright Keith Butler CoSIDA Academic All-District 1998 David Benham Jason Benham 2005 Phillip Thompson 2006 Phillip Laurent VaSID All-State Team 1991 Doug Brady Chris Robbins Danny Brahn 1996 Steve Wright 1998 Jason Benham Steve Wright 2000 Keith Butler 2002 Larry Wayne York Marcus Maringola 2004 Jeremiah Boles 2005 Phillip Laurent VaSID All-State First Team 2006 Phillip Laurent 2007 Garrett Young VaSID All-State Second Team 2006 Chad Miller Michael Just VaSID All-State Honorable Mention 2000 Josh Brey Dan Valentin 2002 Joey Monahan 2005 Aaron Grijalva VaSID Coach of the Year 1991 Johnny Hunton 2000 Dave Pastors (Co-Coach) Big South Player of the Year 1998 Jason Benham 2000 Keith Butler Big South Rookie of the Year 1995 Tim Harrell 2000 Keith Butler Big South Scholar-Athlete of the Year 2000 Brian Harrell (Co-Scholar Athlete) 2001 Matt Stewart Big South Coach of the Year 1998 Dave Pastors Big South All-Conference First Team 1992 Danny Brahn 1993 Rich Humphrey 1993 Charlie Kim 1994 Charlie Kim 1995 Jason Baker 1996 David Benham Steve Wright 1997 David Benham 1998 Jason Benham Steve Wright 1999 Anthony PennixL 2000 Keith Butler Kelly Knouse Scottie Scott Dan Valentin 2001 Trey Miller 2002 Marcus Maringola Larry Wayne York Matt Hagen Joey Monahan 6 Liberty Flames Baseball
2003 Chad Bryan 2004 Jeremiah Boles 2005 Phillip Laurent 2007 Kenneth Negron Tim Nanry Second Team 1994 Terry Weaver 1995 Tim Harrell Jake Hines 1997 Benji Miller 1998 David Benham David Dalton Brian Harrell Benji Miller 1999 Scottie Scott 2000 Jay Sullenger Joey Monahan Josh Brey 2001 Steve Baker Larry Wayne York Josh Brey Anthony Pennix 2002 Steve Baker Kelly Knouse Jason Jones 2004 Carlos Garcia 2005 Chris Zuvich 2006 Michael Just Phillip Laurent Chad Miller 2007 David Giammaresi Tim John Garrett Young ALL-TIME HONORS 2000 Jason Suitt (MVP) Larry Wayne York Jay Sullenger Keith Butler 2001 Trey Miller Keith Butler 2002 Matt Hagen Marcus Maringola Keith Butler 2003 Erich Cloninger Phillip Laurent Chad Bryan Jeff Brown P.K. Keller Ryan Page 2006 Aaron Grijalva Phillip Laurent Phillip Thompson 2007 Patrick Gaillard P.K. Keller Michael Solbach Dustin Umberger Garrett Young LEFT SIDE - Counter Clockwise from top: Darell Manuel, Chris Robbins and Brian Harrell RIGHT SIDE - Clockwise from top: Danny Brahn, Charlie Kim and Phillip Laurent 2002 Kelly Knouse 2003 Chad Bryan 2004 Jeremiah Boles 2005 Aaron Grijalva 2006 Phillip Laurent 2007 Garrett Young Al Worthington Award Winners 1998 Tim Harrell 1999 Darren Adams 2000 Brian Harrell 2001 Chad Bryan 2002 Jeff Haines 2003 Daniel Bote 2004 Josh Butcher 2005 David Bechtold 2006 Chad Miller 2007 Tim John Omaha Award Winners 2000 Alex Dooley, Israel Noble ALL-TIME HONORS Big South All-Tournament 1993 Rich Humphrey (MVP) Beau Martin Sheldon Bream Scott Harmsen Charlie Kim 1997 Jason Benham Ryan McClellan Mike Giordano 1998 David Dalton (MVP) Steve Wright Bryan Byler Phil Kojack Benji Miller 1999 Anthony Pennix Trey Miller Tim Harrell Team Most Valuable Players 1974 Wayne Stough 1975 Bill Brown 1976 Clay Elliott 1977 Jeff Mincey 1978 Lee Guetterman 1979 Sid Bream 1980 Sid Bream 1981 Sid Bream 1982 Renard Brown 1983 Darrell Manuel 1984 Todd Nelson 1985 Pat Sipe 1986 Pat Sipe 1987 Rodney Carter 1988 Randy Tomlin 1989 Tony Beasley 1990 Todd Swisher 1991 Doug Brady, Chris Robbins 1992 Mike Kreider 1993 Rich Humphrey, Charlie Kim 1994 Jeremy Tully 1995 Jake Hines 1996 Steve Wright 1997 David Benham 1998 Jason Benham 1999 Anthony Pennix 2000 Keith Butler, Josh Brey, Dan Valentin 2001 Trey Miller Joey Monahan Liberty Flames Baseball 7
MEDIA INFORMATION MEDIA INFORMATION Media Credentials Working press credentials for Liberty University home games can be obtained by contacting the Flames Athletic Media Relations Office. Due to space limitations, seating cannot be guaranteed in the Liberty baseball press box. Only requests from sports writers of DAILY newspapers and sports directors of television stations, along with media agencies covering the visiting team, will receive top priority. Only radio stations with a fulltime sports director who conducts a daily sports show will receive credentials. Credentials will not be mailed, but can be picked up at the baseball press box on game day. An I.D. may be required when picking up credentials. Game Day Press Services The Athletic Media Relations staff will be at your service throughout the contest. All members of the media will be provided with line-ups, roster cards, press guides and other pertinent information. Full statistics will be available at the end of the game. Telephones and a fax machine will also be available for the media s use. Photography Policies Photographers are not permitted inside the fence or to take photos on top of the dugouts. Interviews During the season, Coach Jim Toman is available for interviews weekday mornings, except Wednesday, on Thursdays after Flames Club Luncheons and before or after practice in the afternoons. Players are generally available before or after practice. They will not be availabe for interview prior to a game. All interviews must be arranged through the Athletic Media Relations Office at least one day in advance at (434) 592-2292. Please do not call the baseball office. Players will not be asked to miss class or study hall. On game days, the Flames locker room is closed after games, home or away. Coach Toman and requested players will be made available after a brief cooling off period. COVERING THE FLAMES RADIO Flames Sports Network WRVL- 88.3 Jerry Edwards, Station Manager Box 25,000 Lynchburg, VA 24506 Phone: (434) 582-3688 Fax: (434) 582-2994 WWMC 90.9 The Light Jamie Hall, Station Manager 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24502 Phone: (434) 582-3691 Fax: (434) 582-7461 WVGM 1320 AM The Game Nick Pierce, Executive Producer 3305 Old Forest Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24501 Phone: (434) 534-8500 Fax: (434) 534-6101 TELEVISION WDBJ-TV/Channel 7 Mike Stevens, Sports Director P.O. Box 7 Roanoke, VA 24022-0007 Phone: (540) 344-7000 (540) 985-3623 (after hours) Fax: (540) 344-5097 WSET-TV/Channel 13 Dennis Carter, Sports Director 2320 Langhorne Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24051 Phone: (434) 528-1313 Ext. 137 Fax: (434) 847-8800 2008 FLAMES MEDIA OUTLETS WSLS-TV/Channel 10 John Appicello, Sports Director 401 3rd St. SW Roanoke, VA 24011 Phone: (540) 981-9110 (540) 981-9126 (after hours) Fax: (540) 343-2059 PRINT Liberty Champion Sports Editor 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24502 Phone: (434) 582-2124 Fax (434) 582-2420 Lynchburg News and Advance Chris Morris, Sports Editor Chris Lang, Beat Writer 101 Wyndale Drive P.O. Box 10129 Lynchburg, VA 24506 Phone: (434) 385-5554 Fax: (434) 385-5538 The Richmond Times Dispatch Sports Editor P.O. Box 85333 Richmond, VA 23293 Phone: (804) 649-6554 Fax: (804) 775-8085 The Roanoke Times Bill Bern, Sports Editor P.O. Box 2491 Roanoke, VA 24010 Phone: (540) 981-3100 Fax: (540) 524-4698 Wire Services Associated Press Sports Desk 700 East Main St., Suite 1380 Richmond, VA 23219-2684 Phone: 1-800-552-9935 Fax: (434) 643-6223 COLLEGE BASEBALL MEDIA OUTLETS Baseball America Aaron Fitt, Assistant Editor Phone: 1-800-845-2726 Website: BaseballAmerica.com Collegiate Baseball Lou Pavlovich, Jr., Editor Phone: (520) 623-7815 Website: baseballnews.com College Baseball.Rivals.com Kendall Rodgers, College Editor Phone: (615) 507 3935 Website: collegebaseball.rivals.com CollegeBaseballInsider.com Sean Ryan, Phil Stanton. Editors National College Baseball Writers Association Bo Carter, Executive Director Website: sportswriters.net/ncbwa Southeastern Baseball Mark Etheridge, Publisher Phone: (205) 886-7978 Website: SEBaseball.com LIBERTY UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS Visiting Radio Stations Liberty University will have a phone line in its press facilities for use by visiting broadcasters. Visiting stations will need to bring all of their own equipment required to originate a broadcast. Please clear up any of the questions on equipment prior to the date of the game. All calls must be made collect or direct dial from the station to the baseball field. There is an emergency line in case of technical difficulties. Check with the Liberty Athletic Media Relations Department for the emergency number. Todd Wetmore Assistant AD for Athletic Media Relations Football, Wrestling, Softball Contact Cell: (434) 841-8974 twetmore@liberty.edu Phone: (434) 582-2292 Fax: (434) 582-2076 Website: LibertyFlames.com Ryan Bomberger Associate Athletic Media Relations Director Baseball, M/W Soccer, M/W Tennis Contact Cell: (434) 221-5576 rbomberger@liberty.edu Vincent Briedis Assistant Athletic Media Relations Director MBSK, Men s Golf, Website Contact Cell: (434) 841-0839 vebriedis@liberty.edu Paul Carmany Assistant Athletic Media Relations Director WBSK, M/W Cross Country/Track, Volleyball Contact Cell: (434) 221-5575 pjcarmany@liberty.edu Mailing Address: Office of Athletic Media Relations Liberty University 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24502 8 Liberty Flames Baseball
RADIO/TRAVEL LIBERTY BASEBALL RADIO BROADCASTS This season, the Flames Sports Network plans to broadcast several Liberty contests. Games will be aired live on WWMC 90.9 FM The Light and online on the World Wide Web at LibertyFlames.com and thelightonline.com. Feb. 29 vs. Rider March 2 vs. Rider March 4 vs. Old Dominion March 8 vs. Army March 9 vs. Army March 18 vs. James Madison March 28 vs. Coastal Carolina March 30 vs. Coastal Carolina April 1 vs. William & Mary April 8 vs. James Madison April 9 at Virginia April 16 vs. Virginia Tech April 18 vs. VMI April 30 vs. George Mason May 7 at Virginia Tech May 11 vs. Longwood May 13 vs. VCU May 16 vs. High Point May 18 vs. High Point LYNCHBURG TO: Miles Hours Army - West Point, N.Y. 488 8:10 Charleston Southern Charleston, S.C. 410 7:00 Coastal Carolina Conway, S.C. 295 6:00 Coca Cola Classic - Hattiesburg, Miss. 800 12:15 Columbia - New York, N.Y. 415 7:25 Clearwater Invitational - Clearwater, Fla. 806 12:52 George Mason Fairfax, Va. 170 3:25 High Point High Point, N.C. 125 2:15 James Madison Harrisonburg, Va. 97 2:05 Longwood - Farmville, Va. 50 :55 RADIO/TRAVEL DIRECTIONS TO LYNCHBURG: FROM 29 NORTH (from Danville, Va.) - Take 29 North to Lynchburg. After passing the Lynchburg Regional Airport on left, take the 460 East exit. Go one mile to the Liberty University exit. Go straight through stop sign onto the Liberty University campus. FROM 29 SOUTH (from Charlottesville, Va.) - Take 29 Business South to Lynchburg. Take the second Candler's Mountain Road exit. Take a right at the second light. Take another right at the second light onto University Blvd. Go a 1/2 mile to Liberty University. FROM 460 EAST (from Roanoke, Va.) - Take 460 East to Lynchburg. Take the Liberty University exit. Go straight through stop sign onto the Liberty University campus. Go a 1/4 mile to Liberty University. FROM 460 WEST (from Richmond, Va.) - Take 460 West to Lynchburg. Take the Candler's Mountain Road/Liberty University exit. Take a left at the first light onto University Blvd. Go a 1/4 mile to Liberty University. FROM I-95 (from Richmond, Va.) - Take 64 West to Charlottesville, and then take 29 South from Charlottesville to Lynchburg. (See above directions from 29 South) Norfolk St. - Norfolk, Va. 200 3:45 Old Dominion Norfolk, Va. 210 3:50 Radford Radford, Va. 94 1:30 Rider - Lawrenceville, N.J. 360 6:25 UNC Asheville Asheville, N.C. 280 5:00 VCU Richmond, Va. 110 2:25 VMI Lexington, Va. 75 1:30 Virginia - Charlottesvile, Va. 68 1:15 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, Va. 93 1:50 William & Mary Williamsburg, Va. 170 2:45 Winthrop Rock Hill, S.C. 220 4:00 RECOMMENDED AREA HOTELS & RESTAURANTS Flames Diamond Hotel Property Extended Stay America 1910 University Boulevard (434) 239-8863 Flames Preferred Hotel Property Days Inn 3320 Candlers Mountain Road (434) 847-8655 Kirkley Hotel 2900 Candlers Mountain Road (434) 237-6333 Ramada Inn 3436 Odd Fellows Road (434) 847-7500 Wingate 3777 Candlers Mountain Road (434) 845-1700 Other Holiday Inn Select 601 Main Street (434) 528-2500 Big South Conference Local Choice Hotels (Call 877-240-2929 to receive 15% discount LU Code #00211890) Comfort Inn Rt. 29 & Odd Fellows Road (434) 847-9041 Sleep Inn 3620 Candlers Mountain Road (434) 846-6900 Flames Diamond Dining Property Chick-fil-A 4003 Wards Road (434) 239-2557 Crown Sterling 6120 Fort Avenue (434) 239-7744 Golden Corral 4005 Wards Road (434) 832-6440 LU Dining Services 1971 University Boulevard (434) 582-2247 Panera Bread 3911 Wards Road (434) 239-6992 Taco Bell 2210 Wards Road (434) 237-3965 Flames Preferred Dining Property Dairy Queen 8021 Timberlake Road (434) 237-7030 Shakers 3401 Candlers Mountain Road (434) 847-7425 Sundae Grill 3700 Candlers Mountain Road (434) 846-5076 Other Applebee s 3624 Candlers Mountain Road (434) 528-2626 McDonald s 2135 Wards Road: (434) 239-7852 4030 Wards Road: (434) 237-5623 River Ridge Mall: (434) 237-4216 Sonic Drive-In 3805 Wards Road (434) 832-8122 Liberty Flames Baseball 9
WORTHINGTON STADIUM WORTHINGTON STADIUM a face-lift as new Bermuda grass was laid out in the infield. During the winter of 2000, a new netting backstop was put in place and a new sound system was purchased for the stadium. In 2006, new flag poles along with flags featuring each of the Big South Conference schools were placed along the outfield fence in both left and right fields. Last season, a state-of-the-art field turf collar was installed around home plate, along with a refurbished scoreboard and windscreens down each line. Liberty Year-by-Year Results at Worthington Stadium Liberty University moved into Worthington Stadium during the 1979 season after playing and practicing at other fields throughout the city of Lynchburg for four years. At the time, the Flames moved to Worthington Stadium, it was named Liberty Field. On May 3, 1986, the field was officially named Worthington Field after former Liberty Baseball Coach and Athletic Director Al Worthington. The Flames posted a 19-3 win over Maryland in the inaugural game. Worthington came to Liberty in 1974 after playing professional baseball with the New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins. He built a strong base for the program and recruited former major leaguers and Liberty players Sid Bream, Lee Guetterman and Randy Tomlin. Worthington posted a 343-191 mark at Liberty as the Flames moved from the NCCAA level all the way to the NCAA Division I ranks under his leadership. He also piloted Liberty to three fifth-place finishes at the NAIA World Series from 1981 to 1983. The name was changed from Worthington Field to Worthington Stadium during the 1995 season. Worthington Stadium presents one of the nicest fields on the East Coast. It was recognized in 1998 by Sports Turf Al Worthington Magazine as the Diamond of the Year in college baseball. The Flames have an overall record of 475-214-4 at the facility since its inception in 1979. A state-of-the-art clubhouse opened in 2003 adjacent to Worthington Stadium. It was the first of a two-phase renovation project. The first phase included locker facilities, restrooms, indoor batting cages, private boxes and a team room. The second phase will include additional seating for 600-700 more people and stadium lighting. During the summer of 1999, a 5,200 square-foot hitting area was constructed along the left field side of the stadium. It is complete with lighted batting cages and modern hitting equipment. The field received 2007............................23-9 2006.......................... 22-9 2005.......................... 24-5 2004...........................20-12 2003............................9-12 2002..........................13-10-1 2001............................23-9 2000............................18-8 1999............................13-9 1998............................20-9 1997............................10-8 1996...........................10-10 1995............................21-8 1994..........................14-12-1 1993...........................10-11 1992...........................14-7-1 1991............................23-4 1990...........................13-5-1 1989............................15-5 1988.............................8-7 1987.............................5-9 1986............................15-3 1985............................14-9 1984............................15-4 1983............................25-4 1982............................24-4 1981............................18-4 1980............................20-6 1979...........................16-2-1 Total................475-214-4 (.688) 10 Liberty Flames Baseball
CROWDER/MUCKEL FIELD HOUSE CROWDER/MUCKEL FIELD HOUSE Liberty Flames Baseball 11
2008 OUTLOOK With a nucleus of experienced players returning, combined with a new coaching staff under first-year head coach Jim Toman, the 2008 Liberty Flames look to capture the Big South Championship and advance to a NCAA Regional for the first time since 2000 this upcoming spring. The Flames return four of their top five hitters and three of their top five pitchers from a season ago. In addition, Toman inherits a squad with six of its eight position starters back from 2007. We have older players who have been in the Big South, and that should give us a chance to be successful, said the new Liberty skipper. Anytime you can get experience on your team, it s a good thing. It is a plus. The last two seasons, the Flames have reached the Big South title game only to come up short. With a seasoned, veteran team, Toman s squad looks to move beyond the title game this year. We re preparing for the season as if we are going to win the Big South regular season and the tournament, because we want to be in postseason play, stated Toman. Our seniors have never been to a regional, and we want to get them to one. The Flames return 18 letterwinners from last year s team, which posted its thirdstraight 30-plus win season with a 36-25 mark and finished with its best conference mark since 2000 at 14-7. With the addition of several players from injuries last season, Liberty will have seven seniors and 11 juniors on the roster, and should once again contend for the conference title. The coaching staff felt the guys worked really hard this fall and that our team has real good chemistry, stated Toman. They ve played together and we believe this is a group which can have success. A Look at the Flames by Position: Pitching The 2008 Liberty pitching staff seems well stocked, as Liberty returns most of its key members from last season s mound staff. In addition, the Flames will also welcome back several members who sat out last season due to injury. We are not sure how it will all fall into place, but [Pitching] Coach [Scott] Jackson has been working hard with our pitchers and we will see in preseason how things sort out, commented Toman on how the staff will be utilized this season. The Liberty starting rotation looks solid with Dustin Umberger, Ryan Page, Clarence Nicely and David Stokes. Umberger, 5-4 in 2007 with a 4.83 ERA, could also see time as the team s closer. 2008 OUTLOOK Dustin may end up in both roles, as we want to finish games. We would like to get a little stronger as the game goes. He could see himself in the bullpen on Friday and Saturday, and if he doesn t pitch, start on Sunday, explained Toman. Stokes, a right-hander, led the Flames in with eight wins and posted a 4.82 ERA, in 93.1 innings in his first season with Liberty. Meanwhile, Toman and Jackson look to move left-hander Page, a senior, back into the starting rotation, after pitching in relief last season. Page is a strike thrower and a left-hander, said the Liberty skipper. This will allow us to start a right-hander on Friday, switch to a left-hander on Saturday and go back to a right-hander on Sunday. Nicely, a junior who transferred to Liberty in 2007 from Auburn, rounds out the rotation. The right-hander appears to be close to 100% after missing last season due to an arm injury. In relief, the Flames will have 12 pitchers, eight right-handers and four left-handers. From the right-side, Liberty returns Dane Beakler, Tyler Light and Andrew Wilson. Beakler, who is coming off of a lower arm injury in 2007, could see time as the squad s closer, while Light and Wilson saw significant innings last season and will be looked upon to provide quality innings in 2008. Newcomers Brett Curll, a Maryland transfer, Rusty LaJoie, Jimmy Miller, and Joe Dustin Umberger Steinwedell, a transfer from Pepperdine, round out the Flames staff from the right side. Freshman Stephen Evans along with returners Grady Ihnat, Chase Vaden and Doug Wallace fill out the Liberty bullpen from the left side. Cody Brown and Tommy Bussey, both infielders, may see double duty this spring with mound time as well. Catcher Liberty seems set behind home plate this season with two-year starter Errol Hollinger once again assuming the bulk of the squad s catching duties. Errol had a very good fall, said Toman. He knows how to handle a pitching staff. He s a very intelligent catcher. We need someone back there who can be another coach. I think Coach Jackson and he will work well together and Errol will be a real asset. This fall, he got a lot stronger in the weight room, and I look for him to have a breakout junior season. Last season, would-be base stealers found Hollinger hard to run on, as the junior threw out a conference-leading 24 runners. At the plate, the junior ranked as the No. 22 toughest hitter to strike out in the country, striking out only once every 15.9 at bats, while hitting.281 with three home runs and 32 RBIs. Also, sophomore Nathan Thompson and freshman Jeff Jefferson could see time at the position. Thompson hit.292 in 32 games last season. Jason Love, coming off an arm injury, will add depth at the position, as well as freshman Philip Locklear. Infield The Flames return starters at three of the four infield positions in 2008. Entering the season, shortstop is the only position Liberty will be looking to fill with the graduation of three-year starter Patrick Gaillard. One of the familiar faces on the Flames infield will be at first base, where Aaron Grijalva, a three-year starter, will return for his final season. One of the Big South s top hitters his first two seasons in a Liberty uniform, the senior looks for a return to form this spring after an injury-plagued campaign last year. After hitting over.340 as a sophomore and a freshman, Grijalva dropped to.250 in 2007, while playing in 41 games. He will be joined by junior Shawn Teufel and newcomers Jason Love and Doug Bream. A good defensive first baseman, Teufel saw action in 49 games last season, while Love and Bream are candidates to serve as the Flames designated hitter. 12 Liberty Flames Baseball
At second base, Liberty seems set with the return of all-conference first-team performer Kenneth Negron and junior Bussey. Kenny is a good offensive player and has improved defensively this fall, while working with Coach [Nick] Schnabel, said Toman. Tommy Bussey is a great attitude, workethic guy. He came on strong late in the fall and he may see some time as pitcher this season also. Negron, a junior, finished fifth in the Big South with a.364 batting average and scored 50 runs, while spending time in the outfield and at second base last season. Bussey, who missed a portion of the year due to a groin injury, hit.284 in 23 games. Aaron Phillips will take over at shortstop this season for Toman s squad. The senior, who started at the position in place of an injured Gaillard several times in 2007, captured the starting nod with a good fall. Aaron has a very accurate arm from short and plays well defensively, noted Toman. He also hit about.330 this fall to win the job hands down, both defensively and offensively. Freshman Aaron Parnell will back-up Phillips at the position. Meanwhile, third base looks to be in capable hands, with the return of senior David Giammaresi and junior Brown. The two of them are pretty even, said Toman. Brown has shown good power this fall and a good arm, while Giammaresi put up good numbers last season. Brown s going to help us on the mound also, while Giammaresi could see time as the designated hitter. Giammaresi earned all-big South secondteam honors last season, hitting.308 with 40 RBIs and 17 doubles, the fifth most in the conference. Brown, who also spent time at first base, hit.296 in 34 games in 2007. 2008 OUTLOOK Aaron Grijalva ence and 62nd nationally with a.389 batting average in 50 games. Rotola takes over the center field position after two years at Independence in Kansas. Last season, he was named a National Junior College Academic All-American. Meanwhile, Keller moved from center field to the corner outfield positions last season. A solid defensive outfielder, the senior recorded eight outfield assists in 2007. At the plate, Keller hit.328 with 42 RBIs. He ended the year by being selected to his second Big South All-Tournament team. Freshman Joe Feeley will also see time in the Liberty outfield this season and is expected to serve as the designated hitter. In addition, Jefferson, who may also see time at catcher, will be in the outfield and Toman believes he could see playing time early in his career. Schedule Liberty will open its 2008 season against Notre Dame in the Clearwater Invitational on Feb. 22. The Flames will also face 2007 NCAA Regional participant Albany and Iowa in Clearwater on the opening weekend. After a midweek game at Norfolk State, Toman s charges will kick off their home schedule with a three-game set, Feb. 29- March 1, at Worthington Stadium against Rider. In March, the Flames will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., for the Coca-Cola Classic, March 14-15. Liberty will face Cal- State Northridge on the tournament s opening day, while squaring off with host Southern Miss, a 2007 NCAA Regional participant, and Cal-State Northridge again on March 15. Liberty will open its 21-game conference slate in late March by hosting defending Big South Champion Coastal Carolina in a three-game series (March 28-30). The Flames will also host conference rivals VMI (April 18-20) and High Point (May 16-18) at Worthington Stadium. Liberty will host the 2007 Big South Baseball Championship at Dan E. Daniel Memorial Stadium in Danville, Va., from May 20-24. The Big South Champion receives the conference s automatic berth to a NCAA Regional, the following weekend (May 30- June 2). 2008 OUTLOOK Outfield Once again, talent will not be in short supply in the Flames outfield this season. Liberty returns senior starters Garrett Young and P.K. Keller, while adding the speedy Tim Rotola in center field. We look for Young to be one of our best hitters this season, and he could turn out to be a pretty good draft pick in June, stated Toman. Rotola, a junior college transfer, showed speed and plays well defensively, while Keller has the ability to put up some good numbers. This spring, Young, a 2008 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Preseason Watch List member, will move to left field after patrolling center field last season. The senior was a VaSID All-State first-team member and an earned all-conference mention by ranking among the Big South leaders in eight offensive categories. Young finished third in the confer Left Field Young Feeley Left-Handed Pitchers Page Wallace Vaden Evans Ihnat FLAMES AT A GLANCE Shortstop Phillips Parnell Third Base Brown Giammaresi Center Field Rotola Second Base Negron Bussey Catchers Hollinger Thompson Locklear First Base Grijalva Teufel Bream Love Right Field Keller Jefferson Right-Handed Pitchers Umberger Nicely Stokes Beakler LaJoie Wilson Light Steinwedell Curll Miller Liberty Flames Baseball 13