Feb. 13, 2012
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By Eric DeSalvo
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Part four of UCFAthletics.com's season preview of the 2012 UCF baseball team focuses on the shortstops, highlighted by junior Darnell Sweeney (Miramar, Fla.) who returns for his third full-time season in the middle infield.
Shortstops
-Jr. Darnell Sweeney - C-USA Preseason All-Conference who has started all 117 games of his UCF career at SS
-RFr. Spencer Haynes - 2010 MLB draft pick by the Oakland A's who could see time at SS and 3B as well
-Fr. Tommy Williams - 20th round pick in the MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of Palm Beach Gardens
With six returners back in the fold in 2012, Sweeney is one of the many certainties the Knights have in the lineup on an everyday basis. The third year standout has started in all 117 games since arriving in Orlando. He provides an integral bat to the lineup wherever he is slotted, totaling 83 RBI and 31 doubles in his two years. Sweeney also is a threat whenever he reaches base, having stolen 29 career bags.
Williams arrives at UCF after earning three letters at Palm Beach Gardens High School playing shortstop for three seasons under head coach Joe Russo. His natural skills at the position led him to a 20th-round selection last June in the Major League Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the same organization that selected former Knights Jonathan Griffin (21st) and Derek Luciano (44th) in 2011.
Opening Knight is quickly approaching, as UCF will open its newly renovated ballpark against Long Island this Friday at 6:30 p.m. in game one of a three-game weekend series. The game is FREE for everyone who makes it out to the UCF baseball complex. 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.