Today marks a new era for the Arizona baseball program.

The Wildcats open their 2003 season today ÷ the 100th in the program's history, against Brigham Young University ÷ with a collection of new freshmen and five new position players.

In the past century, UA has made 14 College World Series appearances and posted 2,248 victories. However, the team's illustrious history hasn't made the roster nervous about today's opener.

"There's always a little pressure when you start the season, but without it, the game's not fun," said freshman second baseman Trevor Crowe.

Junior pitcher Joe Little will have the first opening day start of his career on the mound. The southpaw replaces junior Sean Rierson, who started the last two season openers, but Lopez has yet to determine this year's staff ace.

"Joe has pitched all throughout the fall, but Sean hasn't done anything wrong," Lopez said.

Last season, Rierson led the staff with seven wins and 117 innings pitched. Little led the pitching corps with 83 strike-outs, two more than Rierson.

Hundley has caught both Little and Rierson throughout the off-season and noted their similarities.

"There's a good relationship going there and they feed off of each other. They're like ÎOne A' and ÎOne B,'" Hundley said. "Joe is a big time guy, and he's had more confidence to trust in his ability."

Crowe will make his collegiate debut along with outfielders Brad Boyer and Chris Frye and catcher Nick Hundley. Even though the four are the opening day starters at their respective positions, nothing makes up for their inexperience.

"Nothing is set because it's a marathon race, and the goal is to get the freshmen to play every day," head coach Andy Lopez said. "We have a very young group, but you have to play younger guys as often as you can."

Junior centerfielder Brian Anderson will be the designated hitter, and sophomore Jeff Van Houten will get the nod in right field. Sophomore Pat Reilly will start at first base.

Usually collegiate baseball series begin on Friday, lasting three games, but BYU doesn't play Sundays for religious reasons, Lopez said. Starting on Thursday hasn't disrupted the Wildcats' normal workout schedule.

"I'm just anxious for the season to start for the freshmen and get them into the system," Lopez said.

Today's game begins at 3 p.m. at Sancet Field.

Baseball notes

· Wildcat graduates Justyn St. Clair and Brad Hassey have been working out with the team during the semester. Each will practice with the team until they have to report to spring training in March. St. Clair will head to the Los Angeles Dodger organization and Hassey to the Toronto Blue Jays. "I've been taking some extra cuts and have enjoyed being back here," St. Clair said.

· Ex-Wildcat Joesph Hassey, the father of former player Ron Hassey and the grandfather of Brad, died on Monday at the age of 76. Joseph Hassey attended Tucson High School and played in the New York Yankees minor league system.