Feb. 28, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - As is an annual custom in Tiger Baseball under Head Coach Daron Schoenrock, a former University of Memphis baseball team is honored for their past performances on the field, as well as its contributions to the program. This year Schoenrock and 2007 Tiger squad will recognize the 1978 team in a pre-game ceremony prior to the Tiger's tilt with Indiana in the AutoZone Classic on Sat., March 3.

"I know a lot of old Memphis baseball fans remember us as a team and that is exciting for us," said former Tiger and current Bartlett High School Head Coach Phil Clark. "We are excited to get together as a group for the first time in 29 years."

A special team in Memphis baseball history, the 1978 crew posted a 40-9 mark and fell one game shy of the NCAA College World Series. Ranked ninth by Collegiate Baseball in the final polls, the '78 Tigers are most remembered for their offensive prowess. They combined skill, speed and power to capture the NCAA batting title with a .357 average.

The NCAA South Region runner-up tied or broke five NCAA records and set 18 program marks, including recording 40 wins--a record that stood for 16 seasons before the 1994 team reeled off the current record of 52 wins.

Led by Head Coach Bobby Kilpatrick, the Tigers took a No. 1 seed into the Metro Conference Tournament and used a ninth-inning, walk-off home run by Terry Pressgrove to claim its second Metro Conference Tournament Championship.

The 1978 bunch was led by All-District III, All-South Independent, All-South Region and All-Metro performer Alan Robinson, Metro MVP Pressgrove, All-Metro members, Roy Henderson, Charlie Lea, Dave Parks and Mitch Webster, and All-South selection, Jeff Robinson.

Their contributions to Tigers Baseball are evident in the U of M record books. Lea tossed one of Memphis' 10 no-hitters. Doug Granger turned in a program-best seven hits and seven runs in a record-setting 39-3 win over Delta State. The '78 offense posted a program-high .556 slugging percentage and 17 saves. They are still ranked in the top-five all-time at Memphis in runs scored (443) and stolen bases (104).

All Tiger supporters are invited to come out and honor one of the greatest teams in Tiger history, as well as see the current Tigers in action.