Although The University of Memphis baseball team is not scheduled to begin their 2006 season until February, a very important scrimmage was held Wednesday as a crowd of only 18 looked on.
The Tigers began their annual Parent's Weekend festivities with a Wednesday afternoon scout game. The five-inning scrimmage allowed 18 major league scouts the opportunity to see U of M players in action.
"We had a very positive (scout) turn out," said U of M head coach Daron Schoenrock. "It speaks volumes for quality of players we're getting here."
Players who were unable to turn heads in scrimmage play where also given the opportunity to take part in a pro-style player evaluation featuring a 60-yard dash, arm grading exercises and batting practice.
"(The players) really enjoy scout day," Schoenrock said. "It is every player's dream to keep playing on a professional level."
Despite finishing 13-42 in 2004, the Tigers were still able to bring several major league representatives to the event.
New player additions made this off-season and a few personal connections are the main contributors to an increase of attention being given to the Tiger baseball team, Schoenrock said.
"It's very encouraging that we have some transfers demanding professional attention," he said. "I also have good relationships from a lot of scouts from coaching in the (Southeastern Conference)."
For junior transfer Lance Scoggins, the chance to pitch in front of professional scouts has always been a dream.
"Scout Day is to see all the scouts and have that kind of pressure," Scoggins said. "When you're in front of those guys, it's your life. That's the only way I can describe it."
Although the pressure on players to impress scouts was high Wednesday, the format of the short scrimmage benefited the offense, Schoenrock said.
"We played 20-pitch innings," he said. "That gave to some offensive explosion."
Each Tiger pitcher was given 20 pitches per inning to work with instead of pitching for the usual three outs.
"If I got three up and three down, then I still have to keep pitching until my 20 pitches is up," Scoggins said. "I went out there and struggled and I could have done better."
One of the main offensive standouts in the scout game was junior transfer Michael Murray who wowed scouts with two home runs in the contest.
"Michael Murray had a real productive game," Schoenrock said.
Putting two over the fence in front of a crowd of major league scouts was a great feeling, Murray said.
"It was a good experience, and overall just a good day," he said. "It is really good to just get your name out there."
Even though a home run always makes a good impression, a simple base hit was the only goal at each at bat, Murray said.
"I was just trying to hit a base hit and I got the fat part of the bat on the ball," he said.
The Tigers will continue Parent's Weekend with their annual Blue-Gray Scrimmage Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at Nat Buring Stadium.
