Prep standout takes offer he can’t refuse

While Ole Miss’ Gridiron Rebels were busy making headlines last week with their strong in-state signing class, the Diamond Rebels quietly added a verbal commitment from Madison Central left-handed pitcher Zach Irwin.

Although Irwin’s step parents are Mississippi State supporters, the 6-foot-3, 240-pounder said Ole Miss recruiting coordinator Carl Lafferty made him an offer he couldn’t refuse and as a result, he decided to give his verbal commitment to the Rebels last Friday.

Because baseball teams are allotted just 11.7 scholarships to distribute amongst 27 players on a 35-man roster — each of the 27 scholarship players must have at least .25 percent of a scholarship — the amount in which a recruit is offered is a big deal, unlike in sports like football and basketball where student athletes are awarded full scholarships. (February 8, 2011, Page 1B)

OM Diamond Rebels begin work for season

Swinging the new BBCOR (ball-bat coefficient of restitution) bats that have been implemented by the NCAA for the 2011 season, the Ole Miss baseball squad officially got started on the practice field on Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday, it was the pitching staff that appeared to get the best of the batters in two intrasquad scrimmages as a total of 10 runs were scored during the two games. (January 31, 2011, Page 6)