Sept. 16, 2009

Charlotte, N.C. - The Charlotte 49ers baseball program hits the ground running with a full week of practice at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium this week. Afternoon practices are scheduled for this Thursday (2:30 p.m.) and Sunday (5 p.m.), with Pro Scout day scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m.

Fans are invited to get a preview of the 2010 season as the gates will be open and admission is free.

"We moved up the start of our team phase this year in order to gain more time in the weight room during October, November and December," said head coach Loren Hibbs, entering his 18th season at Charlotte. "We still have some health related issues but our effort level has been positive during conditioning and individual work outs. One of our goals every fall is to develop depth within our roster. We also spend a tremendous amount of time emphasizing versatility. We will continue to work towards maximizing both of these areas as we progress through our fall team phase."

Nationally, Charlotte is one of only 20 programs to finish in the Top 75 for winning percentage in the nation in each of the last four years.

The Niners have now won 30 or more games in five straight seasons and 20 or more home games in four straight years, both program records.

Charlotte is the only team out of the Atlantic 10 to have winning percentages of better than 70 percent overall and in league play. Since joining the league in 2006, the Niners are 160-68 (.702) overall, with a 76-32 (.704) league record. The 49ers begin the 2010 season with a home-and-home series against High Point on February 19 on the road and February 20 at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium in Charlotte. The Niners are scheduled to play 23 of their first 28 contests at home in 2010.