Texas Tech baseball coach Larry Hays can remember just one other time he entered a fall season with as many new faces as he has in this one. It was 1977 and Lubbock Christian was coming off an NAIA World Series championship. The next fall, Hays remembers counting on seven freshmen and a couple junior college transfers. Another College World Series appearance.
Hays can only hope for history to repeat itself.
If so, the Red Raiders would make Omaha for the first time in school history. Between now and then, however, there is plenty to be worked out, which is why the Red-Black series this fall has taken on an even greater level of importance. So everybody's busting their tail every day and trying to win a spot. Hays said he has been pleased with the progress of the newcomers, which includes mostly junior college transfers and only a few freshmen. Hays is also being protective of some arms injured last year that he is hoping will return in 2001.