Thursday August 30, 2001 |

The Wildcat's 2001 recruiting class lost half of its members to Major League Baseball's Amateur Draft. The five incoming freshmen, along with junior right fielder Shelly Duncan, all left last year to the draft.

"Most guys have aspirations to play pro baseball," head coach Andy Lopez said. "It's something (all coaches) have to live with and expect it to happen every year."

As first round draft picks command multi-million dollar contracts, it's hard for people to understand why college is most times an afterthought.

"Put yourself in that position, it's difficult to walk away from the signing bonuses, especially in these days," Lopez said.

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Four position players left along with one pitcher in the recruit class. Factoring in the loss of Duncan and first baseman Ernie Durazo to the draft as well, the Wildcats look to replace a much-needed offense. Ten underclassmen position players must lead and provide the offense.

"We lost a lot of offensive people, which gives the opportunity for people from last year to step up," Lopez said.

Walk-ons will play a major part in filling the holes on the team. The coaching staff is hoping they'll be able to fill needs in the outfield and corner infield positions. Lopez's tryout history boasts Anaheim Angles starting shortstop Dave Eckstein when the two were at the University of Florida.

"We need depth, because when there's depth there's competition, and when there's competition the guys improve and we get better," Lopez said.

Lopez wants to find players who play hard through all nine innings.

"You have to play hard every single pitch or you won't make the club," Lopez said.

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The season starts Sept. 4 with a team meeting open to all those trying out with plans to announce the fall schedule. Players will work individually with coaches for an hour starting Sept. 10. On Oct. 8, three-week fall practices begin with the tryout period yet to be determined. Meeting plans also include introducing the new assistant coaches, Mark Wasikowski and Jeff Morris, and former player and now volunteer coach Jeff Casper.

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Former baseball coach Jerry Stitt is now the special assistant to the senior associate. He works primarily under Rocky LaRose and John Perrin. Stitt sets up the athletic tutorial system and arranges tutors for the students. Another part of his job is to report on the graduation rate of all student-athletes during a six -year period for the NCAA. Stitt also tracks all athletes who leave college early. This allows them to return to school if they want to complete their degree. Two major reasons athletes play out their eligibility or leave is to pursue an athletic career. The different athletes in different sports allow Stitt to work with all parts of the athletic department.

"I get to see a good cross section of athletes and have a good relationship with the coaches," Stitt said.

Stitt was the head baseball coach for 28 years and was fired last July, two years short of full retirement. His length of stay at his new job is something he has left open.

"I have two years until retirement, I want to go at least that long and if possible, go longer," Stitt said.

The job suits Stitt well, especially with his amiable attitude.

"Jerry's a great person to be around. Always energetic, he likes the academic side of athletics and wants athletes to complete their education," said associate athletic director Richard Bartsch.