Feb. 10, 2011
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By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
Part One - C
Part Two - 1B
Part Three - 2B
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - One of the toughest positions on the field, part four of UCFAthletics.com's season preview of the 2011 UCF baseball team focuses on shortstop, where Darnell Sweeney anchors the position.
Shortstops
-So. Darnell Sweeney - Conference USA All-Freshman Team, hit .358 with 17 stolen bases
-Fr. Spencer Haynes - Drafted in the 43rd round by Oakland in last year's MLB Draft
-Sr. Michael Holmes - Saw time in 11 games last year with three starts at second and three at third
Receiving a lot of praise prior to his first collegiate game in 2010, Darnell Sweeney found his swing at the plate in his 12th game last year and never looked back. Holding a .200 average March 6, he would go on to reach .300 only eight games later and finish the year by hitting .358 with 51 runs scored. Sweeney also led the Knights with 17 stolen bases.
Head coach Terry Rooney understood having a freshman at the shortstop position was demanding on Sweeney, but his tireless work in the offseason should only make him an exciting all-around player to watch in 2011. And after serving as the only Knight to start all 55 games last season, Sweeney will be looked upon to be the leader on the infield during his sophomore campaign.
Freshman Spencer Haynes will be a valuable asset in the middle infield and has the chance to learn quickly from the talented duo of Sweeney and second baseman Travis Shreve. Haynes traveled over to Orlando from Valrico after being drafted in the 43rd round by Oakland out of Brandon High School.
Michael Holmes returns for 2011 and the senior recorded 11 games played last year, highlighted by starts at both second and third. In his final game of 2010, he made the start at second and went 2-for-5 with 2 RBI at Jacksonville May 12.
Opening Day is quickly approaching, as the Black and Gold will host Siena Friday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m. in game one of a three-game weekend series. Season and single-game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (407) 823-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com's Tickets section.