The Alabama State University baseball team hosted Fan Appreciation Day Saturday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
 
It was a busy day as approximately 50 kids aged 6-14 participated in the free clinic, receiving instruction on the fundamentals on hitting, throwing and catching from Hornets' baseball players and coaches.
 
Following an autograph session by players and coaches and live batting practice by former Hornet players in attendance, the 2012 edition of Hornets baseball got down to business with a five-inning scrimmage.
 
“I think we have been very competitive,” head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said of his team, now in its second week of spring practice. “I've seen whether they have their 'A' game or not – pitching sometimes you're not going to have it, or hitting - they are still able to compete.”
 
Alabama State will open the 2012 season on February 17 against UC-Irvine in the Major League Baseball Urban Invitational in Houston, Texas.
 
“I'm happy with the way we are performing,” Melendez said. “We are performing with a lot of fire. Sometimes the hitting hasn't been good, or the pitching has not, they have not located (pitches), but every scrimmage we've had has been very, extremely competitive.”

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