The first month of the New Year is almost officially in the books and that could only mean one thing; the college baseball season is right around the corner. The Lehigh baseball team will officially kick off practice January 29 in preparation for its season opener on February 26. The Mountain Hawks return several players from last season and everyone is excited to get back to work.

The Lehigh Baseball program will host its fourth annual New York City alumni event on February 19th at the ESPN Zone in Times Square.  To learn more regarding the event as well as other news surrounding the Mountain Hawks program, continue on to read head coach Sean Leary’s alumni newsletter.

The Lehigh baseball program has announced a series of winter clinics to help youth players stay sharp during the off season and receive professional instruction. The first clinic is an offensive one on January 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the second clinic is a pitching/catching one on February 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The clinics are set up for baseball players between the ages of 6-18 and will feature instruction from the Lehigh coaching staff, Mountain Hawk student-athletes and three minor league baseball players. All players interested are encouraged to attend and parents are welcome to stay and watch.

Former Brown and White catcher Matt McBride, now a member of the Cleveland Indians organization, is currently participating in the Arizona Fall League for the Peoria Saguaros. McBride hit the game-winning two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning at the 2009 AFL Rising Stars game this past Saturday. He was added to the West team roster and after he came into the game as pinch hitter, McBride hit the home run in his second at-bat of the game.

The men's baseball program would like to invite all alumni and friends to the annual fall event on October 17.  The day will begin with registration at the Varsity House at 9:30am and follow with the Home Run Derby at 10:00am.  A game will begin at 10:45am and lunch will be served at 12:00 noon. We hope that you can join us!