UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT - UConn Huskies

UNIVERSITY THE HISTORY OF UCONN BASEBALL OF CONNECTICUT
2 0 0 8 U n i v e r s i t y o f C o n n e c t i c u t B a s e b a l l
This is UConn Baseball . . .
Now in its third century, the UConn Baseball program is traditionally successful and
nationally recognized in NCAA Division I competition. To maintain this degree of excellence,
there is a continuous search for the outstanding scholar-athlete who demonstrates the
potential to meet the challenge at Storrs.
A University of Connecticut player is supplied with the best available equipment,
including four different-style uniforms. He plays on an enclosed diamond that is constantly
groomed and improved by a full-time grounds crew that keeps the field in the best
possible condition at all times. The batting/pitching building adjacent to the field is an
absolutely outstanding asset. The travel accommodations throughout the course of the
season are always first class, as is every other aspect of the program.
Additional support comes from a trainer, team doctor, a consulting optometrist,
academic advisor, equipment people, baseball secretary, athletic communications office,
statewide media including campus radio station WHUS-FM.
In addition to beautiful J.O. Christian Field, excellent facilities for year-round training
and development are provided which include the building at J.O. Christian Field, a weight
training center, racquetball courts, indoor workout areas, the use of an outdoor Astroturf
field and the indoor Mark Shenkman training center for pre-season workouts. Video
equipment and sophisticated training devices are used for individual development.
When classes begin in August, an all important five-week evaluation-instructioncompetition
program is conducted for all UConn baseball candidates. The coaching staff
assesses talent, work habits and readiness in determining the 35-player depth chart
for the coming spring campaign. A prospective candidate enrolled at Storrs and not
competing in a fall sport must be evaluated in the fall to be considered for a spot on the
spring roster. Rookies attend a mandated evening study hall all year long. Throughout
the entire year, a weight training, conditioning and nutrition program is conducted along
with baseball specific workouts for the athletes.
Spring begins in earnest the first week of February for UConn players as they go
through several weeks of intensive pre-season training and instruction. The 56-game
schedule begins with weekend regional trips, where the Huskies play against outstanding
teams from around the country. UConn begins the spring recess with a trip to a warm
weather destination and finishes the recess with its first BIG EAST series of the season.
After the regular season is completed, there is always a strong possibility that the Huskies
will be participating in the eight-team BIG EAST Conference Tournament, the winner
representing the BIG EAST Conference in the 64-team NCAA Tournament field. The eight
super regional winners from across the United States participate in the College World
Series in Omaha, Nebraska.
The cost of attending the University of Connecticut is reasonable. Financial aid
is available to families demonstrating need as determined by the Financial Aid Form
(FAF) and the Financial Aid Office. Financial aid based on athletic ability is available in
accordance with NCAA allowances.
The UConn baseball program is designed to develop players in a progressive manner
in preparation for Division I competition while never losing sight of the basic priority -
formal education and a baccalaureate degree. This priority is constantly stressed to the
participants and accommodations to meet educational goals are set.
The University of Connecticut Baseball program has come a long way in 112 years
of preparing young men for competition in the real world with competition on the
ballfield.
. . . Passed Down Through the Ages
The coaching staff for the 2008 Huskies is a link to many UConn successes in both
the recent and not-so-recent past. Head Coach Jim Penders enters his fifth season in
charge of the Husky baseball program after playing for four years at Connecticut . The last
three years Penders was on the team, the Huskies advanced to the BIG EAST Tournament
Championship Game, with the 1994 side capturing the title. Penders was a member of the
coaching staff for seven seasons under former Husky head coach Andy Baylock. Baylock
retired after serving the baseball program for 39 years including 24 years as the head
coach. Baylock got his start as an assistant under former head coach Larry Panciera, who
started his coaching career under the legendary J.O. Christian in the 1950’s.
The tradition of excellence has been passed from the coaching staff down to the
players. And those players have now come back as coaches to help pass the torch to a
new generation of Huskies. Penders is the son of James E. Penders and nephew of Tom
Penders, both of whom were leaders of the 1965 Husky squad that went to the College
World Series under coach Panciera. Fifth-year assistant coach Chris Podeszwa graduated
from UConn in 1993 and played on UConn’s 1990 BIG EAST Championship team.
It is a tradition of success that has been passed down through the ages and this
season’s edition of the Huskies will look to write a new chapter in the history of Connecticut
Baseball.
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2008 UCONN BASEBALL