2009 SEASON SUPERLATIVES

During the past two seasons, Liberty has won 68 games, the most during the first two years under any head coach in program history. In addition, Head Coach Jim Toman’s .591 winning percentage during the span is the highest among the six head coaches to ever guide the Flames.

The Flames posted 17 Big South Conference victories, the most wins by a Liberty team since joining the conference in 1992.

Third baseman Tyler Bream was named a Freshman All- American by the Collegiate News, becoming the fifth player in program history to receive the honor.

Liberty set a new program record for with a .974 percentage. In addition, the Flames committed the fewest errors in the 36-year history of the program, making just 53 during the year.

Liberty batters were by a pitch 95 times, setting a new school record. The mark eclipses the record set in 2008. The Flames finished the year ranked 13th in the country in the category.

Center fielder Curran Redal set a new Big South record by hitting safely in 32 consecutive games. TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIBERTY BASEBALL THE OPPONENTS CREDITS Flames in the Majors ...... 3 2010 Opponents...... 50 Editor: Ryan Bomberger Flames and ...... 4 Big South Conference ...... 54 Assistant Editors: Todd Wetmore, Eric Brown, Alumni Weekend...... 7 Paul Carmany and Jennifer Shelton All-Time Honor Roll ...... 8 2009 YEAR IN REVIEW Contributors: Owen Benson, Dwayne Groff, Bill Worthington Stadium ...... 10 2009 Year in Review ...... 56 Hardin and Jim Toman Crowder/Muckel Fieldhouse...... 12 2009 Flames Statistics ...... 58 Cover Photography: Les Schofer 2010 Outlook ...... 13 2009 Results...... 59 Contributing Photographers: Ryan Bomberger, Depth Chart...... 14 2009 Big South Review...... 60 Jordan Crossingham, Bob DuVaul, Don Garlock, Media Information...... 15 2009 Big South Leaders ...... 62 Jamie Hall, Tim Lyons, Jeff Raymond, Les Travel Information/Broadcast Schedule ...... 15 Schofer, Brian Sennett, Corkey Trewin, Barry Strength and Conditioning...... 17 RECORDS & HISTORY Whitten, WG Sports Photos, Rochester Red Academic Services ...... 18 Chronology...... 64 Wings and LU Archives Individual Records ...... 66 Cover Design: Brian Wallace, Liberty Office for THE STAFF Team Records ...... 68 University Advancement Head Coach Jim Toman...... 20 Season Top 10 ...... 69 Layout/Typesetting: Heather Lehosit, Assistant Coach Garrett Quinn...... 23 Top Career Performances ...... 70 Morgantown Printing & Binding Assistant Coach Jason Murray ...... 25 Team Batting and Pitching...... 72 Printing: Morgantown Printing & Binding Assistant Coach Adam Ward ...... 26 Year-by-Year Leaders ...... 73 Director of Baseball Operations Billy Daniels.....26 Year-by-Year Results ...... 76 Sports Medicine Staff...... 27 Flames in the Postseason...... 85 Baseball Contact Ryan Bomberger ...... 28 Coaching Year-by-Year Summary...... 86 Support Staff ...... 28 All-Time Roster...... 87

THE FLAMES LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Numerical Roster ...... 30 The University...... 92 Pronunciation Guide...... 31 LibertyFlames.com ...... 95 Alphabetical Roster ...... 31 Remembering Dr. Falwell ...... 96 Geographical Roster ...... 31 University Administration...... 97 Flames by Class ...... 31 Director of Athletics/Senior Staff...... 98 Player Profiles...... 32 Athletics Administration ...... 99 Photo Roster...... 104 Athletics Excellence ...... 100 Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame...... 102

GENERAL INFORMATION TEAM INFORMATION Assoc. Athletics Comm. Dir./Baseball Contact Name of School ...... Liberty University Overall Record ...... 33-21 Ryan Bomberger City/Zip ...... Lynchburg, Va. 24502 Conference Record ...... 17-9/3rd Office Phone ...... (434) 582-2605 Founded ...... 1971 Home Record ...... 19-5 Email ...... [email protected] Enrollment ...... 11, 311 Away Record ...... 11-13 Nickname ...... Flames Neutral ...... 3-3 Assistant Athletics Comm. Dir. Mascot...... Eagle Starters Returning/Lost (position players) ..... 7/2 Paul Carmany School Colors ...... Red, White and Blue Pitchers Returning/Lost...... 6/4 Office Phone...... (434) 582-2604 Affiliation ...... NCAA Division I Lettermen Returning/Lost ...... 14/7 Email...... [email protected] Conference ...... Big South Newcomers ...... 13 Founder ...... Jerry Falwell Assistant Athletics Comm. Dir. Chancellor ...... Jerry Falwell, Jr. HISTORY Eric Brown Director of Athletics ...... Jeff Barber First Year ...... 1974 Office Phone...... (434) 582-2294 Athletics Department Phone ..... (434) 582-2100 All-Time ...... 980-773-7 (.559) Email ...... [email protected]

COACHING STAFF BASEBALL STADIUM Athletics Comm. Graduate Assistant Head Coach ...... Jim Toman (N.C. State, ’85, ’95) Home Field ...... Worthington Stadium Jennifer Shelton Record at School ...... 68-47-1 (Two Years) Capacity ...... 1,000 Office Phone...... (434) 592-4849 Career Record ...... Same Field Dimensions .... 325 (LF), 375 (LC), 390 (CF) Email...... [email protected] Baseball Office ...... (434) 582-2103 375 (RC), 325 (RF) Assistant Coaches .... Garrett Quinn (Maine, ‘98) Athletics Communications Fax .. (434) 582-2076 Jason Murray (Ball State, ’98) ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS Adam Ward (Clemson, ’08) A.D. for Athletics Communications Athletics Comm. Mailing Address Director of Baseball Operations ...... Todd Wetmore 1971 Unversity Blvd...... Billy Daniels (Liberty, ‘06) Athletics Communications Office Phone Lynchburg, VA 24502 Athletic Trainer ...... Scott Lawrenson (434) 582-2292 Strength & Conditioning Coach ...... Colin Dugan Email...... [email protected] Website...... LibertyFlames.com 2010 QUICK FACTS

2 FLAMES IN THE MAJORS

SID BREAM DOUG BRADY Years at Liberty: 1979-81 Years at Liberty: 1989-91 12 Years in the Majors One Year in the Majors Major League Debut: Sept. 1, 1983 Major League Debut: Sept. 5, 1995 1983-85 ...... 1995 ...... Chicago White Sox 1985-90 ...... 1991-93 ...... 1994 ......

LEE GUETTERMAN RANDY TOMLIN Years at Liberty: 1978-81 11 Years in the Majors Years at Liberty: 1986-88 Major League Debut: Sept. 12, 1984 Five Years in the Majors Major League Debut: Aug. 6, 1990 1984, 85-87 ...... Seattle Mariners 1988-92 ...... New York Yankees 1990-94 ...... Pittsburgh Pirates 1992 ...... 1993 ...... St. Louis Cardinals 1995-96 ...... Seattle Mariners 3 FLAMES & PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

Sid Bream Pittsburgh Pirates

1976 1976 1978 CLAY ELLIOT, SS JEFF MINCEY, C BERNIE YOUNG, OF ATLANTA BRAVES PITTSBURGH PIRATES CHICAGO WHITE SOX Drafted 10th Round Drafted 21st Round Signed Free Agent

1981 1981 1982 SID BREAM, 1B LEE GUETTERMAN, LHP DOUG SMITH, RHP LOS ANGELES DODGERS SEATTLE MARINERS MINNESOTA TWINS Drafted 2nd Round Drafted 4th Round Drafted 28th Round

Tony Beasley Third Base Coach Pittsburgh Pirates

1982 1986 1986 RENARD BROWN, OF PAT SIPE, 1B NILES CREEKMORE, RHP SEATTLE MARINERS MONTREAL EXPOS Drafted 3rd Round Signed Free Agent Signed Free Agent

1987 1988 1989 CLINT HORSLEY, RHP RANDY TOMLIN, LHP TONY BEASLEY, 2B ST. LOUIS CARDINALS PITTSBURGH PIRATES BALTIMORE ORIOLES Drafted 29th Round Drafted 18th Round Drafted 19th Round FLAMES & PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

Randy Tomlin Pitcher Pittsburgh Pirates

1989 1989 1990 JAMEY MASON, C DOUG REYNOLDS, C FRANK SPEEK, RHP CALIFORNIA ANGELS BALTIMORE ORIOLES ST. LOUIS CARDINALS Drafted 51st Round Drafted 33rd Round Drafted 26th Round

1990 1991 1992 TODD SAMPLES, OF DOUG BRADY, SS RODNEY ASHBY, RHP MONTREAL EXPOS CHICAGO WHITE SOX CHICAGO CUBS Drafted 9th Round Drafted 12th Round Signed Free Agent

1993 1994 & 1995 1995 1996 1997 & 1998 1998 RICH HUMPHREY, RHP TERRY WEAVER, 3B JASON BAKER, OF DANNY HODGES, LHP DAVID BENHAM, C JASON BENHAM, 3B 1994- 1997-NEW YORK METS HOUSTON ASTROS Drafted 23rd Round LOS ANGELES DODGERS CHICAGO CUBS Drafted 41st Round BALTIMORE ORIOLES Drafted 57th Round 1995- Signed Free Agent Drafted 41st Round 1998-BOSTON RED SOX Drafted 37th Round Drafted 21st Round Drafted 12th Round

1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 2000 DAVID DALTON, SS TIM HARRELL, RHP PHIL KOJACK, RHP BENJI MILLER, RHP STEVE WRIGHT, OF BRIAN ADAMS, LHP ATLANTA BRAVES LOS ANGELES DODGERS PITTSBURGH PIRATES SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS SEATTLE MARINERS BOSTON RED SOX Signed Free Agent Drafted 20th Round Signed Free Agent Drafted 21st Round Drafted 17th Round Drafted 8th Round FLAMES & PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

2000 & 2004 2000 2001 DAN VALENTIN, RHP SCOTTIE SCOTT, C JOSH BREY, LHP 2000-OAKLAND ATHLETICS Drafted 31st Round CLEVELAND INDIANS ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 2004-TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS Signed Free Agent Drafted 4th Round Signed Free Agent

Jason Jones Pitcher Rochester Red Wings 2002 2002 2002 Minnesota Twins AAA JOEY MONAHAN, SS STEVE BAKER, OF JONATHAN SCHNEIDER, RHP CHICAGO CUBS PITTSBURGH PIRATES Drafted 7th Round Drafted 29th Round Drafted 15th Round

2003 2003 2004 2005 2006 & 2007 2007 LARRY WAYNE YORK, 2B ERICH CLONINGER, C JASON JONES, RHP DAVID BECHTOLD, LHP MICHAEL SOLBACH, RHP GARRETT YOUNG, OF 2006 - MONTREAL EXPOS BOSTON RED SOX NEW YORK YANKEES Drafted 48th Round BOSTON RED SOX Drafted 14th Round Drafted 35th Round Drafted 4th Round Drafted 28th Round 2007 -ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Drafted 46th Round Drafted 19th Round

2007 2007 2008 2008 2009 2009 PHILLIP LAURENT, OF MICHAEL JUST, 2B RYAN PAGE, LHP DAVID STOKES, RHP ERROL HOLLINGER, C ANDREW WILSON, RHP SAN DIEGO PADRES HOUSTON ASTROS DETROIT TIGERS ARIZONA DIAMOND BACKS ATLANTA BRAVES Signed Free Agent Signed Free Agent Drafted 20th Round Drafted 28th Round Signed as Free Agent Drafted 36th Round ALUMNI WEEKEND

The Liberty Baseball program completed its fall season in 2008 with an alumni game over the University’s Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 23-24. The two-day weekend included a golf outing, a dinner and a game underneath the lights at Worthington Stadium.

On the 23rd, 46 alumni took part in the golf outing at London Downs Golf Course in nearby Forest, Va. In the evening, 130 alumni and family members attended a dinner celebrating Liberty baseball, past and present. The program’s founder and first coach, , and Coach Jim Toman meets with alumni former coach Johnny Hunton, along with Liberty Director of Athletics Jeff Barber and Flames Club Director Bob Good, spoke after the dinner to the group.

Former Liberty major leaguers Sid Bream (1979-81), Lee Guetterman (1978-81) and Randy Tomlin (1986-88) were among the former players who attended the dinner.

On the evening of the 24th, Bream, Guetterman and Tomlin were among 54 former Liberty players who participated in the alumni game under the lights at Worthington Stadium. Coach Hunton and Coach Worthington led the two squads, with Hunton’s team winning.

Former Liberty Coach Johnny Hunton

David Benham

Sid Bream and Liberty’s first head coach Al Worthington ALL-TIME HONOR ROLL

VASID COACH OF THE YEAR JASON RENARD RICHARD 1991 Johnny Hunton BENHAM BROWN DeWITT 2000 Dave Pastors (Co-Coach) TEAM MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS 1974 Richard Zazuetta 1975 Bill Brown 1976 Clay Elliott BRIAN DARREL MATT 1977 Jeff Mincey 1978 Lee Guetterman HARRELL MANUEL STEWART 1979 Sid Bream 1980 Sid Bream 1981 Sid Bream 1982 Renard Brown 1983 Darrell Manuel 1984 Todd Nelson ALL-AMERICANS ECAC ALL-STAR TEAM 1985 Pat Sipe First Team First Team 1986 Pat Sipe 1981 Sid Bream, 1B 1991 Doug Brady, 1F 1987 Rodney Carter NAIA, NABC 1998 Jason Benham, 3b 1988 Randy Tomlin 1981 Lee Guetterman, RHP 1989 Tony Beasley NAIA Second Team 1990 Todd Swisher 1982 Renard Brown, OF 1992 Danny Brahn, OF 1991 Doug Brady, Chris Robbins NAIA 1998 Steve Wright, OF 1992 Mike Kreider 1993 Rich Humphrey, Charlie Kim Second Team COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT 1994 Jeremy Tully 1981 Darrell Manuel, OF 1998 David Benham, C 1995 Jake Hines NAIA Jason Benham, 3B 1996 Steve Wright 2005 Phillip Thompson, P 1997 David Benham PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS 2006 Phillip Laurent, OF 1998 Jason Benham Third Team 2008 David Giammaresi, 1B 1999 Anthony Pennix 2006 Aaron Grijalva, 1B Errol Hollinger, C 2000 Keith Butler, Josh Brey, Dan Valentin Collegiate Baseball Clarence Nicely, RHP 2001 Trey Miller 2002 Kelly Knouse FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICANS VASID ALL-STATE 2003 Chad Bryan 2000 Keith Butler, OF First Team 2004 Jeremiah Boles Collegiate Baseball, 1991 Doug Brady, IF 2005 Aaron Grijalva Joey Monahan, SS Chris Robbins, IF 2006 Phillip Laurent Baseball America Danny Brahn, OF 2007 Garrett Young 2005 Aaron Grijalva, 1B 1996 Steve Wright, OF 2008 Errol Hollinger Collegiate Baseball 1998 Jason Benham, 3B 2009 Curran Redal 2009 Tyler Bream, 3B Steve Wright, OF Collegiate Baseball 2000 Keith Butler, OF 2002 Larry Wayne York, 2B Sid COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN Marcus Maringola, OF Bream COLLEGE DIVISION 2004 Jeremiah Boles, OF First Team 2005 Phillip Laurent, OF 1980 Richard DeWitt, SS 2006 Phillip Laurent, OF 2007 Garrett Young, OF UNIVERSITY DIVISION Third Team Second Team 1998 Jason Benham, 3B 2006 Michael Just, 2B Chad Miller, 3B ABCA ALL-ATLANTIC REGION 2008 David Stokes, P 2009 Curran Redal, OF First Team Shawn Teufel, P 1991 Doug Brady, SS Chris Robbins, 2B Honorable Mention 2000 Josh Brey, P 2000 Josh Brey, P Dan Valentin, P Second Team 2002 Joey Monahan, SS 1998 Steve Wright, OF 2005 Aaron Grijalva, 1B

8 ALL-TIME HONOR ROLL

AL WORTHINGTON AWARD WINNERS 1998 Tim Harrell DOUG JOSH LEE 1999 Darren Adams BRADY BREY GUETTERMAN 2000 Brian Harrell 2001 Chad Bryan 2002 Jeff Haines 2003 Daniel Bote 2004 Josh Butcher 2005 David Bechtold RICH JOEY CHRIS 2006 Chad Miller 2007 Tim John HUMPHREY MONAHAN ROBBINS 2008 Ryan Page 2009 Errol Hollinger

BIG SOUTH ALL-CONFERENCE First Team 1992 Danny Brahn, OF 2002 Steve Baker, OF 2000 Jason Suitt, P (MVP) 1993 Rich Humphrey, P Kelly Knouse, 1B Larry York, IF 1993 Charlie Kim, OF Jason Jones, RHP Jay Sullenger, IF 1994 Charlie Kim, OF 2004 Carlos Garcia, 3B Keith Butler, OF 1995 Jason Baker, OF 2005 Chris Zuvich, P 2001 Trey Miller, OF 1996 David Benham, C 2006 Michael Just, 2B Keith Butler, OF Steve Wright, OF Phillip Laurent, OF 2002 Matt Hagen, 3B 1997 David Benham, C Chad Miller, 3B Marcus Maringola, OF 1998 Jason Benham, 3B 2007 David Giammaresi, 3B Keith Butler, DH Steve Wright, OF Tim John, P 2003 Erich Cloninger, C 1999 Anthony Pennix, UTL Garrett Young, OF Phillip Laurent, DH 2000 Keith Butler, OF 2008 Errol Hollinger, C Chad Bryan, UTL Kelly Knouse, 1B David Stokes, P Jeff Brown, DH Scottie Scott, C 2009 Errol Hollinger, C P.K. Keller, OF Dan Valentin, P Ryan Page, P 2001 Trey Miller, OF Aaron Grijalva, 1B 2002 Marcus Maringola, OF Phillip Laurent, OF Larry Wayne York, 2B Phillip Thompson, SP Matt Hagen, 3B 2007 Patrick Gaillard, SS Joey Monahan, SS P.K. Keller, OF 2003 Chad Bryan, 1B Michael Solbach, P 2004 Jeremiah Boles, OF Dustin Umberger, P 2005 Phillip Laurent, OF Garrett Young, OF 2007 Kenneth Negron, 2B 2008 Cody Brown, INF Tim Nanry, DH Steven Evans, P 2008 P.K. Keller, OF Jeff Jefferson, OF 2009 Curran Redal, OF Dustin Umberger, P Shawn Teufel, LHP Keith Garrett Young, DH Butler 2009 Errol Hollinger, C Second Team P.J. Jimenez, 2B 1994 Terry Weaver 3B BIG SOUTH ALL-TOURNAMENT SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 1995 Tim Harrell P Jake Hines 2B 1993 Rich Humphrey, P (MVP) 2000 Brian Harrell (Co-Scholar Athlete) 1997 Benji Miller, P Beau Martin, C 2001 Matt Stewart 1998 David Benham, C Sheldon Bream, 1B David Dalton, SS Scott Harmsen, SS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Brian Harrell, P Charlie Kim, OF 1995 Tim Harrell Benji Miller, P 1997 Jason Benham, 3B 2000 Keith Butler 1999 Scottie Scott, C Ryan McClellan, 1B/DH 2000 Jay Sullenger, 2B Mike Giordano, OF PLAYER OF THE YEAR Joey Monahan, SS 1998 David Dalton, INF (MVP) 1998 Jason Benham Josh Brey, P Steve Wright, OF 2000 Keith Butler 2001 Steve Baker, OF Bryan Byler, OF Larry Wayne York, 2B Phil Kojack, P COACH OF THE YEAR Josh Brey, P Benji Miller, P 1998 Dave Pastors Anthony Pennix, P 1999 Anthony Pennix, UTL Trey Miller, OF

9 SEASON PREVIEW

After posting 68 wins in 2008 and 2009, the A LOOK AT THE FLAMES BY POSITION most by a Liberty head coach in his first two sea- Pitching Shawn sons, under Jim Toman, the 2010 Liberty Flames The Liberty mound staff this season will be baseball team will look to continue the program’s given a boost by the return of right-hander Dustin Teufel progression by capturing a Big South Champi- Umberger and left-hander Shawn Teufel. The sen- onship and participating in a NCAA Regional for iors are expected to fill two of the three weekend the first time since 2000. starting spots in the Flames’ rotation. “We have to take that next step,” stated “Dustin is well on his way back to health after Toman. “And, the next step is winning the confer- sitting out last year due to injury,” said Toman. ence’s regular season title or winning the Big “He has been a fixture of the pitching staff in his South tournament, and getting into a NCAA re- previous three seasons and we expect him to be gional.” one of our top guys. With seven of their eight position starters back “Shawn Teufel returns after a nine-win season from last season’s 33-21 squad and the addition of and Steven Evans comes off a seven-win campaign several new pitchers to bolster the mound staff, last year. I would expect them to be in our rota- the Flames are optimistic about their chances of tion also.” obtaining their goals this season. Umberger enters his final season in a Liberty “I am pleased with the depth of our team,” uniform ranked seventh on the school’s career noted Liberty’s third-year head coach. “We have list with 194. The team captain has several capable players at each position and 16 logged 267 innings for the Flames, posting a pitchers. We will have a lot more options to go to record of 17-10 with three saves. In 2008, Um- and a lot more moves that we can make during a berger led the Big South Conference with 88 game. in recording an 8-3 mark with a 3.80 “With a stronger bullpen, I think we will be ERA. able to shorten games. In the past, we didn’t have Teufel, also voted a team captain, earned first enough people in the bullpen we could go to. But team All-Big South honors in 2009. The left-han- now, we have at least seven guys we can count on der finished the year second in the Big South with to come in at any point in the game and shut nine wins and third with 72 strikeouts. He was down the opposition.” also among the conference leaders in ERA (4.33). The Flames will return 17 players, including its Teufel went 9-2 in 14 games over 72 2/3 innings, Catchers entire starting infield, from last year’s roster. Last winning six consecutive starts from March 22 to For the first time in four years, a new face will season, Liberty had the highest fielding percent- May 2. be behind home plate for the Flames. Four-year age (.974) and committed the fewest errors (53) in Evans went 7-2 with a 3.96 ERA and a save in starter Errol Hollinger graduated this past May, the 37-year history of the program. In addition, 2009. The junior left-hander appeared in 16 con- leaving the position open to competition for the the Flames welcome back three members to their tests, tying Teufel for the team-high in innings first time since 2005. However, Toman likes the roster, who sat out last season. pitched by logging 72 2/3 innings. options he has at the position. Liberty will add 13 new faces to its roster in The trio of returners will be joined by newcomer “We have three guys who are good enough to 2010. Nine of the baker’s dozen are pitchers. Keegan Linza as a starter. The 6-5 right-hander be there come the spring,” stated the former “A lot of our returning guys did well in the fall, transfers to Liberty from Northwest Florida State catcher. “Nathan Thompson stepped up this fall and several of our newcomers look like impact Community College, where he was an all-confer- and preformed well, Jerry Neufang is a highly players,” stated Toman. “By the time spring rolls ence performer. touted junior college transfer and Trey Wimmer, around, we should have everyone healthy and “We have at least eight pitchers behind those who started at first base last year, is also a front ready to go. It should be an exciting team.” four who did well enough in the fall that we think line catcher. So, I feel like we have several guys we can use in the spring,” commented Toman. who can get it done behind the plate.” Heading that group is senior Carter Browning, Thompson, a senior, was selected by his team- Dustin Umberger who was used solely out of the bullpen last sea- mates as a team captain in the fall. The senior has son. The right-hander was second in the Big South a career .270 batting average, while Neufang and led the Flames with 29 appearances in 2009. transfers from South Florida Community College, Browning recorded a 2-2 mark with four saves and where he was named to the Florida Junior College a 3.94 ERA over 48 innings. All-State team and led the state of Florida’s junior He will be joined by fellow right-handed return- colleges with 17 home runs last season. ers, sophomore Chris McDougal, who saw mound Wimmer rounds out the possible candidates at time in 15 contests in 2009, and senior Dane the spot. In 2009, he saw all his game action at Beakler, who returns to the roster after receiving a first base. medical redshirt last season. Freshmen Josh Richardson and Cameron Gian- Infielders nini, along with juniors Bryan Cole, J.J. McLeod The Flames return all four starters on the infield and Chris Roach will see plenty of mound time this from last year’s squad. Starting three freshmen season. Zane Bator, Daniel Brown, Tim Dudley and and a junior college transfer, the Liberty infield Josh Healey will also compete for innings. helped the 2009 Flames set a school record with a .974 fielding percentage and commit the fewest errors ever by a Liberty team with 53 over 54 games.

10 SEASON PREVIEW

“We didn’t know what to expect from this group 42 RBIs and 50 runs scored. In addition, he had 13 40th round of the MLB Draft last June. He adds last year as they were all new, but they ended up doubles, four triples and six home runs, while being speed to the Liberty roster. Brown hit .314 in 42 helping us to set a school record for fielding, which one of the hardest hitters in the nation to strikeout games after transferring to Liberty from junior col- is very impressive,” noted Toman about his infield. in 2009, ranking ninth in the country by fanning only lege in 2009. The senior could also see some playing “They are all back this year, which is great, plus we once per 21.3 at bats. The outfielder set a Big South time in center field. brought in three new infielders who are pushing record by hitting safely in 32 consecutive games last those guys.” season. At first base, Wimmer, a sophomore, returns after In left field, experience abounds, but who mans hitting .299 with 32 RBIs, six doubles and six home the spot remains unsettled. Returners Doug Bream, runs in 53 games last season. Joining him at the po- Jeff Jefferson, Kenneth Negron, Justin Richardson Curran sition is freshman Justin Sizemore, who had a strong and Kizuku Scott are all vying for playing time in left Redal fall and is pushing for playing time, and senior Zane field. Bator. Both Sizemore and Bator could also be in the Doug Bream played in 46 games, with 34 starts line-up this spring as the designated hitter. in the outfield last season. The junior hit .355 with Senior P.J. Jimenez returns at second base. Last 33 RBIs, 13 doubles and six home runs. Meanwhile, season, Jimenez committed four errors in 51 games Jefferson, also a junior, played in 38 games, all in the and was named to the 2009 Big South All-Tourna- outfield in 2009, hitting .310 with five doubles and ment team. At the plate, he swung a hot bat in the seven home runs. second half of the season, finishing the year with a Joining them in the left field mix are two con- .271 batting average, 13 doubles and four home verted infielders, Negron and Scott. Negron, a senior runs. who was All-Big South as a second baseman in 2007, At shortstop, sophomore Matt Williams will look has hit over .300 in a season twice during his colle- to build upon his solid freshman campaign of 2009. giate career and adds speed to the roster, as he has Williams, who also was the Flames’ leadoff hitter stolen 20 bases in his two years at Liberty. Scott, last season, started all 54 games, making only 10 er- like Negron, played on the infield, seeing time at rors and hitting .283 with 12 doubles and 49 runs both second and third base last season. The sopho- scored. more hit .236 in 27 games in his first year of college baseball, while battling injuries. At third base, 2009 Louisville Slugger Freshman Richardson is also in the mix in the outfield. All-American Tyler Bream returns for his second sea- However, the sophomore, who bats from the left son at Liberty. Despite having his season cut to 46 side, is likely to see most of his action as the desig- games due to injury last year, the sophomore hit nated hitter, and pinch hitting roles after several big .337, while finishing the season third in the Big pinch hits for the Flames last season. South with 57 RBIs and ninth with a .572 slugging In right field, transfer Michael Robertson and percentage. Bream also had 16 doubles, two triples Casey Brown are possible options. Robertson, a and eight home runs in his maiden season in a sophomore, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in Flames uniform. According to Toman, newcomers Josh Richardson and Austin Taylor are pushing for playing time at the FLAMES AT A GLANCE middle infield positions and third base, giving Liberty five options at the three positions. Richardson, a Left Field Center Field Right Field freshman who also could see time on the mound, Negron Redal Robertson was the 2009 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic D. Bream C. Brown Jefferson Association (VISAA) State Player of the Year, while Scott Taylor, a junior college transfer, was a 43rd round Ju. Richardson Second Base draft pick out of high school by the Cincinnati Reds Shortstop Jimenez in 2007. Williams Taylor Jo. Richardson (p) Outfielders Just like the rest of the roster, the Flames return First Base Third Base several players with significant playing time during Wimmer (c) their Liberty careers in the outfield for 2010. T. Bream Sizemore “We have seven outfielders and even a few in- Bator (p) fielders we may move to outfield,” noted Toman. “Who plays out there, especially left field, may de- pend on who is hitting the best at the time. Left-Handed Pitchers Right-Handed Pitchers “It is a good problem to have, as we have a Teufel Umberger Beakler bunch of guys out there who can swing the bats a Evans Linza Cole little bit.” Roach Giannini McDougal Leading the outfield returnees is 2009 Big South Dudley Browning D. Brown All-Conference first team member Curran Redal. Catchers McLeod Healey The senior is expected once again to roam center Thompson field for the Flames. Last season, Redal hit .380 with Neufang

11 WORTHINGTON STADIUM

March 28, 2008 was a historic night in the 37 years of Liberty University baseball, as for the first time a night game was contested at Worthington Stadium. A record crowd of 3,183 saw the Flames host Coastal Carolina in the Big South Conference opening game for both squads. Also unveiled that evening was a new state-of-the-art public address system. The installation of lights and public address sys- tem are just a few of several improvement projects which have taken place at the stadium over the past three years. Before the beginning of the 2008 season, a field turf collar was installed around the home plate area, along with the placement of wind- screens down each baseline and the refurbishment of the stadium’s scoreboard. Inside the adjacent Crowder/Muckel Field House, the Liberty team locker facility was refurbished with a Tuflex floor surface and a new paint scheme and interior de- sign was implemented throughout the building. Last year, a new batter’s eye was erected in centerfield along with the stadium’s bullpens being relocated to behind the outfield walls. In- On May 3, 1986, the field was officially Al Worthington side the field house, a new mud room was built named Worthington Field after former Liberty The name was changed and several computers were purchased and added Baseball Coach and Athletic Director Al Worthing- from Worthington Field to Worthington Sta- to the team lounge for players’ use. Also, the ton. The Flames posted a 19-3 win over Maryland dium during the 1995 season. Worthington Sta- training room was relocated in the building and in the inaugural game. dium was recognized in 1998 by Sports Turf upgraded. Worthington came to Liberty in 1974 after play- Magazine as the “Diamond of the Year” in college In addition, the Flames’ locker room was named ing professional baseball with the New York Gi- baseball. The Flames have an overall record of the Greg and Dotttie Clendenin Locker Room in ants, Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins. He 505-231-5 at the facility since its inception in honor of the former Liberty baseball player and his built a strong base for the program and recruited 1979. wife’s generous donation to the program, which former major leaguers and Liberty players Sid The state-of-the-art Crowder/Muckel Field helped provide funding for many of the upgrades Bream, Lee Guetterman and Randy Tomlin. Wor- House opened in 2003, adjacent to the stadium. It at the facility over the past two years. thington posted a 343-191 mark at Liberty as the includes locker facilities, restrooms, indoor batting Prior to this season, padding was installed on Flames moved from the NCCAA level all the way cages, private boxes and a team lounge. The field the outfield fences, while inside the field house to the NCAA Division I ranks under his leadership. received a face-lift in the summer of 1999, as new upgrades were made to both the kitchen and team He also piloted Liberty to three fifth-place finishes Bermuda grass was laid out in the infield. During lounge areas. New furniture, wall art, a new air at the NAIA World Series, from 1981 to 1983. the winter of 2000, a new netting backstop was hockey table and a refurbished pool table are just put in place, replacing the steel backstop, which some of the new features in the clubhouse. had been in place since the stadium’s inception. Liberty University moved into Worthington Sta- dium during the 1979 season after playing and YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS AT WORTHINGTON STADIUM practicing at other fields throughout the city of Lynchburg for four years. At the time the Flames 2009...... 19-5 1993...... 10-11 moved to Worthington Stadium, it was 2008 ...... 11-12-1 1992 ...... 14-7-1 named Liberty Field. 2007...... 23-9 1991...... 23-4 2006...... 22-9 1990 ...... 13-5-1 2005...... 24-5 1989...... 15-5 2004...... 20-12 1988...... 8-7 2003...... 9-12 1987...... 5-9 2002 ...... 13-10-1 1986...... 15-3 2001...... 23-9 1985...... 14-9 2000...... 18-8 1984...... 15-4 1999...... 13-9 1983...... 25-4 1998...... 20-9 1982...... 24-4 1997...... 10-8 1981...... 18-4 1996...... 10-10 1980 ...... 20-6 1995...... 21-8 1979 ...... 16-2-1 1994 ...... 14-12-1 Total ...... 505-231-5 (.685)

12 Worthington Stadium at Night

Liberty Starter David Stokes Delivers a Pitch

Flames Celebrate Scoring Game’s First Run

Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. Throws out the First Pitch

Part of a Stadium Record Crowd of 3,183 looks on

Sun Sets at Worthington

13 CROWDER/MUCKEL FIELDHOUSE

14 STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

The Liberty strength and conditioning program is used to help develop stronger and more competitive baseball players and athletes. It ensures each athlete gets the maximum benefit from resistance training, improved quickness, injury prevention and sport specific condition- ing. Our athletes train year round using various strength training and conditioning methods, looking to challenge them both physically and mentally.

Liberty Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coach Colin Dugan

15 MEDIA INFORMATION

MEDIA CREDENTIALS PHOTOGRAPHY POLICIES POSTGAME INTERVIEWS Working press credentials for Liberty home Photographers are not permitted inside the On game days, the Flames’ locker room is baseball games can be obtained by contacting the Worthington Stadium fence or to take photos from closed to media after games, home or away. Head Liberty University Athletics Communications Office. the roof of the dugouts. Coach Jim Toman and requested players will be Due to space limitations, seating cannot be guar- made available after a brief 10 minute cooling off anteed in the Liberty baseball press box. Only re- INTERVIEWS POLICIES period. A representative of the Liberty University quests from sports writers of daily newspapers During the season, Head Coach Jim Toman is Athletics Communications Office will in co- and sports directors of television stations, along available for interviews weekday mornings, except ordinating interviews. with media agencies covering the visiting team, Wednesday, and before or after practice in the af- will receive top priority. Credentials will not be ternoons. VISITING RADIO STATIONS mailed, but can be picked up at the baseball press Players are generally available before or after Liberty University will have a phone line in its box on game day. An I.D. may be required when practice and are not available for interviews prior press facilities for use by visiting broadcasters. Vis- picking up credentials. to games. All interviews must be arranged through iting stations will need to bring all of their own the Liberty Athletics Communications Office at equipment required to originate a broadcast. GAME PRESS SERVICES least one day in advance at (434) 592-2292. Please clear up any questions on equipment prior The Liberty University Athletics Communications Please do not call the baseball office. Players will to the date of the game. All calls must be made staff will be at your service throughout the con- not be asked to miss class or study hall for inter- collect or direct dial from the station to the base- test. All members of the media will be provided views. ball field. There is an emergency line in case of with line-ups, roster cards, press guides and other technical difficulties. The emergency line is pertinent information. Full statistics will be avail- (434) 582-2914. able at the end of the game. Telephones and a fax machine will also be available for the media’s use. MEDIA OUTLETS RADIO TELEVISION WRVL- 88.3 WWMC – 90.9 “The Light” WDBJ-TV/Channel 7 WSET-TV/Channel 13 Jerry Edwards, Station Jamie Hall, Station Manager Travis Wells, Sports Director Dennis Carter, Sports Director Manager 1971 University Blvd. P.O. Box 7 2320 Langhorne Rd. Box 25,000 Lynchburg, VA 24502 Roanoke, VA 24022-0007 Lynchburg, VA 24051 Phone: (434) 528-1313 Lynchburg, VA 24506 Phone: (434) 582-3691 Phone: (540) 344-7000 Fax: (434) 847-8800 Phone: (434) 582-3688 Fax: (434) 582-7461 Fax: (540) 344-5097 Fax: (434) 582-2994 WSLS-TV/Channel 10 John Appicello, Sports Director 401 3rd St. SW Roanoke, VA 24011 Phone: (540) 981-9110 Fax: (540) 343-2059 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

TODD WETMORE RYAN BOMBERGER PAUL CARMANY ERIC BROWN JENNIFER SHELTON Assistant AD for Associate Athletics Assistant Athletics Assistant Athletics Athletics Communications Communications Communications Director Communications Director Communications Director Graduate Assistant

Contact for: Contact for: Contact for: Contact for: Contact for: Football and wrestling Baseball, men’s soccer and Men’s and women’s track Men’s basketball, men’s Men’s and women’s cross [email protected] men’s and women’s tennis and field, volleyball and golf, women’s lacrosse and country, women’s soccer [email protected] women’s basketball athletics web site and softball [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 1971 UNIVERSITY BLVD. • LYNCHBURG, VA 24502 • PHONE: (434) 582-2292 FAX: (434) 582-2076

16 MEDIA INFORMATION

PRINT The Richmond Times Dispatch Richmond, VA 23219-2684 College Baseball.Rivals.com Liberty Champion Sports Editor Phone: (800) 552-9935 Kendall Rodgers, College Editor Sports Editor P.O. Box 85333 Fax: (800) 357-8525 Phone: (615) 507 3935 1971 University Blvd. Richmond, VA 23293 Website:collegebaseball.rivals.com Lynchburg, VA 24502 Phone: (804) 649-6554 COLLEGE BASEBALL OUTLETS Phone: (434) 582-2124 Fax: (804) 775-8085 Baseball America CollegeBaseballInsider.com Fax (434) 582-2420 Aaron Fitt, Assistant Editor Sean Ryan, Phil Stanton. Editors The Roanoke Times Phone: (800) 845-2726 Website:CollegeBasellInsider.com Lynchburg News and Advance Sports Editor Website: BaseballAmerica.com Chris Morris, Sports Editor P.O. Box 2491 National College Baseball Chris Lang, Beat Writer Roanoke, VA 24010 College Baseball Blog Writers Association 101 Wyndale Drive Phone: (540) 981-3100 Brian Foley, Editor Bo Carter, Executive Director P.O. Box 10129 Fax: (540) 524-4698 Website: thecollegebaseballblog.com Website: sportswriters.net/ncbwa Lynchburg, VA 24506 WIRE SERVICES Phone: (434) 385-5554 Collegiate Baseball Southeastern Baseball Fax: (434) 385-5538 Associated Press Lou Pavlovich, Jr., Editor Mark Etheridge, Publisher Sports Desk Phone: (520) 623-7815 Phone: (205) 886-7978 600 East Main St. Website: baseballnews.com Website: SEBaseball.com

2010 TRAVEL PLANS LIBERTY FLAMES BROADCAST SCHEDULE FEB. 19-21 – KENNESAW STATE This season, the Flames Sports Network is scheduled to broadcast over 40 Liberty baseball contests this season ei- Hotel: Hilton Garden ther by radio or video streaming. With Nick Pierce providing play-by-play, radio broadcasts will be provided by 895 Cobb Place 90.9 FM The Light and video will be streamed on the Big South Network. Links to the broadcasts are provided on Kennesaw, GA 30144 LibertyFlames.com. Telephone: (678) 322-1140 THE FLAMES SPORTS NETWORK SCHEDULE FEB. 26-28 – HUGHES BROS. CHALLENGE 2/28 ...... at UNC Wilmington (R) 4/13 ...... Elon (S) Hotel: Jameson Inn 3/6 ...... Delaware State (S) 4/16...... VMI (S) 5102 Dunlea Court 3/7 ...... Delaware State (SR) 4/17...... VMI (S) Wilmington, NC 28405 3/9 ...... Old Dominion (S) 4/18 ...... VMI (SR) Telephone: (910) 452-5660 3/12 ...... St. John’s (S) 4/20 ...... Duke (S) 3/13 ...... St. John’s (S) 4/21...... James Madison (R) MARCH 25-28 – UNC ASHEVILLE 3/14 ...... St. John’s (S) 4/30 ...... Gardner-Webb (S) Hotel: Springhill Suites 3/16 ...... at James Madison (R) 5/1 ...... Gardner-Webb (S) 2 Buckstone Place 3/17...... at Duke (R) 5/2...... Gardner-Webb (SR) Asheville, NC 28805 3/19 ...... Manhattan (S) 5/5...... Maryland (R) Telephone: (828) 253-4666 3/20 ...... Manhattan (S) 5/14 ...... Coastal Carolina (S) 3/21...... Manhattan (S) 5/15 ...... Coastal Carolina (S) APRIL 9-11 – RADFORD Hotel: Comfort Suites 3/23...... at Virginia Tech (R) 5/16...... Coastal Carolina (SR) 2331 Tyler Rd. 3/30...... George Mason (S) 5/20 ...... at Winthrop (R) Christiansburg, VA 24073 4/3...... High Point (DH) (SR) 5/21 ...... at Winthrop (R) Telephone: (540) 639-3333 4/5...... at Old Dominion (R) 5/22 ...... at Winthrop (R) 4/9 ...... at Radford (R) 5/25-29...... Big South Championship (R) APRIL 22-25 – PRESBYTERIAN 4/10 ...... at Radford (R) R – Radio • S – Video Streaming Hotel: Comfort Suites 4/11 ...... at Radford (R) Schedule subject to change 12865 Hwy 56 North Clinton, SC, 29325 Telephone: (864) 833-1800

MAY 6-9 – CHARLESTON SOUTHERN Hotel: Wingate Inn 5219 North Arco Lane North Charleston, SC 29418 Telephone: (843) 574-6762

MAY 19-22 –WINTHROP Hotel: Wingate Inn Nick Pierce 760 Galleria Blvd I-77 and Dave Lyle Blvd Play-by-Play Rock Hill, SC 29730 Telephone: (803) 324-9000

17 ACADEMIC AFFAIRS FOR ACADEMIC SERVICES ATHLETICS STAFF KRISTIE BEITZ Associate Athletics Director for Academic Affairs

MATT ANTHONY Academic Coordinator

Liberty University student-athletes continue to score high marks in the classroom, as well as on the playing field, due to the efforts of the Liberty University Academic Affairs for Athletics Department. Kristie Beitz, in her fourth year as Liberty’s Associate Athletics Director for Academic Affairs, heads a staff which also includes Matt Anthony, Jeni Coleman and Buck Romero. Kristie JENI COLEMAN Beitz oversees academic affairs for the Flames baseball Academic Coordinator program. Equipped with facilities at the Vines Center, the Williams Football Operations Center and the Hancock Athletic Center, student-athletes have convenient locations in which to utilize the staff and available resources. Student-athletes receive everything from computer use and tutorial services to lessons on study skills, time management and organizational skills. The Liberty baseball team has excelled in the classroom, Liberty’s NCAA Divison I with the assistance of the Academic Affairs for Athletics Department. CoSIDA Academic All-Americans BUCK ROMERO 2008-09 Big South Director of Academics Jarrod Everson Danielle McNaney for Men’s Basketball Presidential Honor Roll First Team (Football) 1998 First Team (Track) Second Team (Football) 2005 Baseball Team Members 1997 Second Team (Track) Doug Bream 2004 Mike Gelatt Tyler Bream First Team (Men’s Soccer) Daniel Newell Errol Hollinger 2007 & 2008 First Team (Track) Lance Howe 2008 Jeff Jefferson Jason Benham Megan Frazee Third Team (Baseball) Second Team Heather Sagan P.J. Jimenez 1998 (Women’s Basketball) First Team (Track/Cross Steven Keener 2008 Country) John Long Jay Cline First Team (Women’s 2002 Second Team (Football) Basketball) Tim Rotola 2009 Kristal Tharp 2005 Mark Swanson Second Team (Women’s Shawn Teufel Kristin Colson Clendon Henderson Basketball) Second Team (Volleyball) First Team (Track) 2005 Nathan Thompson 2008 2005 Trey Wimmer Cathy Williams Holly Deem Jennifer Hodges Third Team (Track/Cross Third Team (Track) Third Team (Women’s Country) 1998 Soccer) 1998 1999 Arlene Zelinskas Second Team (Track) 2007