Offseason scheduling change sets up FAMU baseball to face South Florida on opening day
Rory Sharrock
According to the schedule, opening day for Florida A&M baseball is set for Monday at 4 p.m versus South Florida.
However, the contest with the Bulls is a replacement for what was thought to be a return outing in the Andre Dawson Classic.
Nevertheless, the squad is eager to celebrate the dawn of a new season no matter the opponent or venue.
The Andre Dawson Classic, which bears the name of the Major League Baseball and FAMU Sports Hall of Famer, features several HBCU and PWI (Predominately White Institution) teams every February in New Orleans. FAMU competed in the showcase last year with games airing on MLB Network.
Unfortunately, during the offseason, much to FAMU head coach Jamey Shouppe's dismay, tournament organizers didn't include the Rattlers in the mix of schools for 2020.
"I told them last year when we were there, as long as it's named after FAMU alumni Andre Dawson, we're in. They said great," Shouppe said during an interview on Friday's broadcast of The Rattler Review airing on 97.9 ESPN Radio Tallahassee.
"I guess they got too many teams. You schedule things two-three years in advance like most sports. I guess they felt bad about dropping another team. I'm disappointed, but it doesn't matter. We have a great schedule this season."
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This year's participants in the Andre Dawson Classic are SWAC schools Alabama State, Alcorn State, Grambling State, Prairie View A&M, Southern and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The University of New Orleans will also play this weekend.
Shouppe's deep connections with colleagues paved the way for FAMU and South Florida to meet Monday afternoon.
The Bulls were already scheduled to be in Tallahassee for a game versus Florida State on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Following an offseason conversation with South Florida head coach Billy Mohl, the teams agreed to meet on what was supposed to be an off day.
Senior righty Josh Hancock will get the ball on opening day for the Rattlers. He went 5-7 in 2019 and led the team in starts.
FAMU players from top to bottom are eager for live action after weeks of practice and scrimmages.
"This is what you practice for all fall and spring. I wish we were playing this weekend," FAMU closer Jeremiah McCollum said.
"We have a better team than last year in all components. Our relationship with each other is really strong. This should make a successful season. The coaching staff has done a great job and we're well-prepared. We can't wait to play and upset some people."
FAMU will unveil its 2019 MEAC championship banner on Monday. The sign will be displayed in left field.
Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @rattlernews and @married2game1.