Jan. 31, 2007
EDISON, N.J. - The Fairfield University baseball team was chosen to finish eighth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Preseason Poll as voted upon by the league's head coaches.
The 2007 edition of the Stags will feature 11 returning letterwinners, including senior pitcher Ed Kamintzky, sophomore closer Dan Gallagher, junior Albie DeSimone, who lead the team in batting, and 2005 All-MAAC selection Brian Rudolph. Fairfield also welcomes 17 talented newcomers, including UMass transfer Mike Weiner, NC State transfer Jason Rago and junior college transfer Ryan Calabrese.
Last year, Fairfield went 18-29 overall and 12-14 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The Stags took five of nine conference series from opponents, which included pairs of victories over Manhattan, LeMoyne and Siena.
LeMoyne was picked to finish at the top of the conference with 99 points in the poll, while Manhattan was next with 89 points. Marist placed third with 77 points. Manhattan's Matt Rizzotti was named the MAAC Baseball Preseason Player of the Year for the second-consecutive season.
Fairfield opens its 2007 campaign on March 3 with a doubleheader at Delaware State. The Stags will play its first home game of the year on March 21 when they host Central Connecticut State 3:00 p.m.
2007 MAAC BASEBALL
PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
1. Le Moyne (99)
2. Manhattan (89)
3. Marist (77)
4. Siena (67)
5. Rider (62)
6. Canisius (41)
7. Niagara (39)
8. Fairfield (35)
9. Iona (26)
10.St. Peter's (15)
