UM hosting annual FanFest, alumni game

CORAL GABLES — The University of Miami is set to open the baseball season next week, but fans won’t have to wait that long to get their first look at the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes are hosting their annual FanFest and Alumni Game today at Mark Light Stadium, with former Miami standouts including Aubrey Huff, David Thompson, Danny Garcia, Kevin Brown, Carl Chester, Thomas Woodrey and Dale Carey among the alumni expected to return to Mark Light Field.

Although first pitch in the Alumni Game is set for 6 p.m., gates will open at 4 for FanFest, with the current Hurricanes team signing autographs near the clubhouse. The free event will also include a Select-A-Seat for fans interested in purchasing season ticket plans, a face “tattoo” station and photos with Miami’s baseball mascot, the Miami Maniac.

Alumni are set to take the field at 4:15 p.m. for batting practice.

The Hurricanes, who were 31-27 last year, are ranked No. 24 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and will open the season Feb. 16 when they host Rutgers for a three-game series.

That night, Jim Morris will begin his 25th and final season as Hurricanes coach. Infielder Romy Gonzalez, pitchers Jeb Bargfeldt, Andrew Cabezas and Frankie Bartow are expected to be among Miami’s veteran leaders as the Hurricanes look to put together another run to Omaha and the College World Series.