Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Baseball Picked to Defend Patriot League Title
2/5/2004 7:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 5, 2004
LEWISBURG, Pa. - The Bucknell baseball team will be headed back to the NCAA Tournament 2004, predict Patriot League baseball coaches and sports information directors. Garnering 7 of 12 first place votes, the Bison were chosen atop the Patriot League preseason poll following their 15-5 league season and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2003.
Bucknell received 45 total points, ahead of Navy's 38, Army's 36, Lehigh's 28, Lafayette's 21, and Holy Cross' 12. The Bison defeated Navy in come-from-behind fashion last season in the Patriot League Championship Series, two games to one at Depew Field at Bucknell. The Mids will visit Lewisburg again this season for two doubleheaders on March 27-28.
The Bison return seven of nine starting position players, counting the designated hitter, with third base and left field set to be occupied by new starters. Bucknell returns just one of its four regular starting pitchers from last season, though Matt Daley, Phil Futrick, and Cory Nadler are experienced relievers set to fill in the starting rotation with Kevin Miller.
"I think it's an honor to have that kind of respect from other coaches in the league. The history of the league has shown that it's difficult to repeat, and I know it's going to be a real challenge," said Bucknell Head Coach Gene Depew. Navy in 1998-99 and Fordham in 1991-92 have been the only back-to-back Patriot League Champions since the league's first baseball season in 1991. "It's almost easier to have a situation like we did last year to be picked fifth and win than to be picked first and have it expected of you."
The slate begins on Feb. 21 with a doubleheader at James Madison, followed by a single game there on Feb. 22. The following weekend, Bucknell will head to Davidson in North Carolina for two-and-one, before the home-opening doubleheader against Fordham on Mar. 6.
Team Points (1st) 2003 Record (Overall, League) Bucknell 45 (7) 27-16, 15-5 Navy 38 (3) 21-24, 12-8 Army 36 (2) 17-25-1, 9-11 Lehigh 28 19-23, 9-11 Lafayette 21 16-24, 7-13 Holy Cross 12 13-23, 8-12
