Jan. 19, 2009
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -
The University of North Carolina has earned the No. 1 spot in the 2009 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association preseason poll for the first time in the 12-year history of the annual ranking. The Tar Heels, who finished third in the NCBWA's final poll a year ago, have been ranked either first or second in all three preseason rankings released thus far.
The NCBWA poll voters come from 32 college baseball writers and related media persons from throughout the nation. After a preseason Top 35 listing, the remainder of the polls will feature a national Top 30. Weekly polls will continue from Feb. 23 through June 25 following the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb.
The Tar Heels, who open preseason team practice Feb. 1, feature six preseason All-America selections on their roster - right-handed starters Matt Harvey, Adam Warren and Alex White, as well as right-handed relief ace Brian Moran, first baseman/outfielder Dustin Ackley and infielder Kyle Seager.
Carolina will open the 2009 season Feb. 20 at the brand-new Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium against VMI.
