Griz baseball, Osprey reach agreement
Griz Baseball will be the first action of 2012 at the stadium, kicking off the Ogren Park Alliegance Field events schedule.
"We love having the opportunity to host these type of events, especially for the Griz," said Byron Dike, Director of Stadium Operations for the Missoula Osprey. "Coach Sharkey has established a top-notch program during his tenure with the team, and we are looking forward to serving the club with our pro-caliber facilities and event management expertise."
The Grizzly Club Baseball program is run by Head Coach and President Ryan Sharkey, whose Griz squad is already off to a hot start this season after winning three of four games of a season opening tourney in Mesquite, Nevada. The Griz just missed a sweep of the tournament, falling a run short against returning League Champ Utah State University. The Griz efforts were impressive, outscoring opponents 31-16 over the weekend.
With weather in Missoula limiting the teams practice to the gym going into the tourney, the tournament results have players and fans buzzing about this 2012 roster.
Under Coach Sharkey's tutelage the 2012 team looks promising. Senior John White has been instrumental in the progression of Griz Baseball and holds 7 all time Grizzly Baseball records, including wins (18) and a combined ERA of 2.45 over 3 years. Another senior instrumental in the Grizzlies recent success is Captain Kyle Amundson, who currently holds the Club record in career batting average at .391, and is looking to end his Griz Baseball career on top.
"I have very high expectations for myself and the team. I want improve my hitting and fielding marks from last year, as well as bring strong leadership qualities to the team," says Amundson.
Montana has a solid group of freshmen who are looking to make a name for themselves as well in 2012. Catcher Emmitt Stangel of Coeur D'Alene, ID will see a lot of action behind the dish as well as getting some reps at 3rd base this season. Boise product Jordan Feeney will also field multiple positions this spring. He brings a solid arm off the mound and may roam the outfield when not on the bump. Ryan Russell, a tall right-handed pitcher, will bolster the Griz pitching rotation and will see some action at 1st base. Russell recorded two wins for the Griz this fall.
The Griz home schedule will begin at Ogren Park Allegiance Field this Saturday, March 31, with a doubleheader against the University of Idaho. Game one of the double dip gets under way at 11:00 am. Ticket prices are $10 for the entire home stand, $8 for the double-header, and $5 for all single game tickets, ALL STUDENTS ARE FREE (with a student I.D.). Visit www.montanagrizbaseball.com for all up-to-date information including game-day times and dates, breaking news, stats, and starting this spring a LIVE webcast of all home and away games.
For Ogren Park Alliegance Field rental information or more details on 2012 events, contact the Missoula Osprey office at (406)543-3300 or stop by the MSO Hub in the heart of downtown Missoula.