National Champions headline alumni game

National
Champions headline alumni game

Former all-Americans
Jose Cruz Jr., Bubba Crosby, Vincent Sinisi and David Aardsma
are among the former Owls baseball players who have already
committed to play in the 2004 Rice baseball alumni game
at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Reckling Park.

The athletic
department is planning a host of activities to commemorate
the Rice baseball team’s 2003 national championship,
including the unveiling of the national championship flag,
awarding of the rings and other special presentations prior
to and during the alumni game. With more than 20 former
Owls currently playing professionally at the major and minor
league levels, and with hundreds more who have worn the
blue and gray, the event is sure to be well-attended.

The alumni game
will pit current professional players against the 2004 Rice
team for the first several innings. Former lettermen will
then go head-to-head for the remainder of the nine innings.

“With the
history of Rice baseball on this campus and in this city,
this should be a sight to see for all baseball fans in Houston,”
said Rice Athletics Director Bobby May. “Every Rice
baseball fan will be in for a treat.”

Tickets are on
sale for the game at 713-522-OWLS and will be part of the
Rice season ticket package as well.

The athletics
department invites all former Rice baseball players and
coaches to participate in this event benefiting the Owls’
baseball program. There will be a post-game barbecue at
Fox Gym.

Baseball lettermen
interested in putting on the Rice uniform again are urged
to contact Mike Pede, 713-348-6917 or <mpede@
rice.edu>, to sign up to play in the game. All players
are asked to bring their own gloves, shoes and gray baseball
pants. Shirts will be provided.