Courtesy: Jeff Harwell-Zips Sports Photography The annual Blue Gold Fall World Series starts October 6th

AKRON, Ohio – Coach Pat Bangtson and the Akron Zips baseball team are enthusiastic about the start of the 2008-2009 Fall season.

The Zips returned to the diamond last week marking the start of Coach Bangtson’s fourth year with the squad. The Zips showed improvement in last year’s performance as they compiled an overall winning record of 25-24 (the first time since 1997) with a 8-13 mark in the Mid-American Conference.

This fall season, the team looks to build on that success and improve on their past accomplishments.

Coach Bangtson was excited to get preparations underway stating that, “I’m excited to have the team back. We made great strides last year breaking the .500 mark for the first time in eleven years. We’re looking to continue that improvement with the hard work the team will contribute this fall."

The Zips return seven seniors, all of whom Coach Bangtson will expect to play a large part in guiding the squad.

“I’m looking at our seven seniors as the leaders of this team. I expect them to provide outstanding leadership both on and off the field for the team.”

Tom Farmer (who was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers) returns for his final year of collegiate ball joining Ryne Romick and Frank Turocy on the mound for the Zips. Phil Bednar and Ryan Frazee will assist in commanding the Zips' infield while Matt Roberts and Brett Savage will help anchor the outfield.

Fall ball marks two distinctive events for the Zips baseball team. The annual Diamond Legends Classic fall golf tournament will be held on September 27th and the Annual Blue and Gold Fall World Series is scheduled for the week of October 6th. Additionally, the team will host its annual fall Baseball Skills Camp on Saturday October 4th.

Diamond Legends Classic Reminder – Saturday, September 27th
Coach Bangtson and the Zips invite all UA letterwinners, fans, alumni and supports to participate in their fourth-annual golf tournament, the Diamond Legends Classic with all proceeds benefiting the UA baseball program. Registration will begin promptly at 7 a.m. with tee times scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast will be provided prior to play in the morning and lunch will follow with awards at 1 p.m. Foursomes and pre-registration are strongly encourage as the tournament is open to all UA alumni in addition to the public. The registration form is attached and available for download.

This year golfers and baseball supporters are invited to attend the exclusive UA baseball alumni pre-game tailgate party at the Rubber Bowl. The tailgate is scheduled prior to the football team's game against Cincinnati. Kick off against the Bearcats is slated for 3:30 p.m. The tailgate costs only $10 and includes one game ticket!

For more information about the Diamond Legends Classic or the tailgate, contact Coach Simpson at 330-972-7277 or via email at es28@uakron.edu.

Blue and Gold Fall World Series – October 6th
The week of October 6th marks the annual Blue and Gold Fall World Series. The intrasquad scrimmage will serve as the lone fall contest for the Akron Zips. Following tradition, the winners of the series will be treated to steaks while the losers will eat hot dogs! Monday and Tuesday’s games are scheduled for an approximate 2:30 p.m. start time and will be played at Lee Jackson Field. While Wednesday's game is slated for a 5 p.m. start and will be played at local Canal Park, home stadium to the Akron Aeros (Double A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians).

If necessary, play will return to Lee Jackson field on Thursday and Friday for additional games scheduled at 2:30 p.m.

Attendance is open and encouraged at all home events and practices, which are scheduled daily at 2:15pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, game recaps and fall updates please visit www.gozips.com.

Baseball Skills Camp – October 4th
The Akron Zips baseball team will host their annual Skills Camp on Saturday, October 4th. There will be two sessions focusing on pitching, catching, hitting, infield and outfield skills.

Session I will be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will focus on infielder and outfielder instruction. Session II will run from 12-2:30 p.m. and will focus on pitcher and catcher instruction. Players may sign up for both sessions at a discounted rate if they wish.

Single sessions cost is $80 or players can sign up for both sessions for a discounted rate at $100. Payments will be accepted in the form of cash or check only. Checks can be made payable to: University of Akron.

To register, complete the attached registration form above and mail to:

Ernest Simpson, University of Akron, Stile Athletics Field House, Akron, OH 44325-6302.