Miami Hurricanes’ Fan Fest, alumni baseball game set for Saturday
University of Miami baseball fans can get a jump on the season Saturday on what is forecast to be a gorgeous South Florida day.
The Hurricanes will host their annual Fan Fest and Alumni Game at Alex Rodriguez Park’s Mark Light Field — at the intersection of San Amaro Drive and Ponce de Leon Boulevard — beginning at 4 p.m.
The event, which is free to the public, starts with an hour-long autograph session.
Among the other activities will be locker room tours (during the autograph session), the opportunity to run the bases, a “Dress Like a Cane’’ station, photos with the Miami Maniac and a face tattoo station.
The famous Mark Light milkshakes will be available as well.
The wait is almost over. @MarkLightShake tomorrow 4p-9p at @CanesBaseball Alumni Game. @stadiyums @univmiami @Coach3morris @TheMiamiManiac
— Mark Light Shake (@MarkLightShake) February 12, 2016
Hurricanes baseball alumni will take batting practice before being introduced at 5:30 p.m.
The alumni will then face the 2016 Hurricanes at 6 p.m. in an exhibition game.
“I’m excited about seeing some of the past players,’’ said UM coach Jim Morris, whose Canes open the season at home at 7 p.m. next Friday against Rutgers.
“This is always a fun day for everyone.’’
Past players expected to compete in the alumni game include catcher Garrett Kennedy (2012-15), first baseman Kevin Brown (1998-2001), pitcher Darryl Roque (1998-99), outfielder Nathan Melendres (2009-11) and “Get Out of a Jam Sam,’’ reliever Sam Abrams (2011, ’13-’15), who helped catapult UM to the College World Series last season.
I’m excited about seeing some of the past players.
UM baseball coach Jim Morris
The Hurricanes finished the 2015 season with a 50-17 record after earning their first berth in the College World Series since 2008.
They are ranked as high as No. 4 in the preseason Top 25 poll by Collegiate Baseball, and earned No. 6 rankings by Baseball America, D1Baseball.com and in the USA Today coaches’ poll.
Representatives from the Hurricanes ticket office will be available for fans to select their seats for season-ticket packages, which begin at $99 for individuals and $199 for a family (two adults, three youth).
Call 305-284-2263 for more information.
This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Miami Hurricanes’ Fan Fest, alumni baseball game set for Saturday."