June 17, 2007
OMAHA, Neb. - To get ready for Monday's game against Oregon State, the Sun Devils once again headed to Boys Town for a practice. They worked on base running, fielding and some other things before wrapping up with a few rounds of Batting Practice. This was a special BP session, as the staff took part as well as the players.
First up was Director of Operations Graham Rossini, who showed off his power by peppering left field with long balls, including one off the scoreboard. Athletic trainer Kenny McCarty wowed the crowd by lacing ball after down the left field line. Operations Assistant Steve Kirkman demonstrated his Griffey-like batting stance, sending single after single to the outfield. Perhaps no one got a bigger reaction than manager Brendan Cunningham, who accomplished one of the best sights of the afternoon. On his first swing in the cage, Bucky, as he is affectionately known, let the bat slip out of his hands. The whirling Demarini got caught in the top of the cage, sticking in between the netting. The boys in the dugout enjoyed a laugh as Cunningham finished his round with several solid knocks to the outfield.
After practice, the team returned to the hotel for a quick rest before departing for the Alumni BBQ, presented by the Cosmopolitan Club. The team enjoyed huge, grilled Omaha Steaks, hot dogs, doughnuts and ice cream, then took a riverboat cruise on the Missouri River. The view from the river was beautiful, and the breeze made for a wonderful setting. After the cruise, the team returned to the hotel to get ready for tomorrow's battle with Pac-10 foe and defending national champion Oregon State.