University of Arkansas Monticello - Boll Weevil Yearbook (Monticello, AR)

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Counterclockwise from above: Catcher Charlie Gray outs a LSUA player at home plate. James Turner rounds second base. Onlookers busy themselves with toe watching between innings. An easy out for first baseman Turn- er. Center: Rollins retreats from third base coaching duties after three outs. Athletics 237

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BASEBALL : UAM BASEBALLERS REBOUND WITH 12-14 SEASON § UAM’s baseball program underwent a drastic turnaround in 1980, thanks to an infusion of talented freshmen. Coming off a dismal 4-19 season in 1979, the Weevils rebounded to a 14-12 record in 1980. Coach John Rollins started as many as five freshmen at a time, and the rookies responded with outstanding play. “I knew at the start of the season we’d bea lot better,”’ said Rollins. “‘I felt like we had the material to win the AIC (Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference). I knew we were young, and that was what eventual- ly kept us from being a contender. We Jerry Owen and Coach Rollins exhibit their elaborate system of hand signals. made some mistakes, but they can be eliminated with experience. What we did was establish a solid foundation for the future.” The five freshmen who broke into the starting lineup were second baseman Bil- ly Allen of Crossett, third baseman Jay Crowley of Booneville, centerfielder Jer- ry Owen of Pine Bluff, right fielder Chris Roan of Crossett, and first baseman James Turner of Houston, Tex. They were joined by sophomore catch- i er Charlie Gray of Pine Bluff, sophomore shortstop Darrell Rhodes of White Hall, Cary Qualls, a senior left fielder from Woodlawn and designated hitter Mitchell Goldman, a senior from Pine Bluff. Robert Chambers, a junior from Dallas, Tex.; Steve Strahan, a senior from Pine Bluff; Lamar Gandy, a junior from Stark- | ville, Miss.; and Clavin Rowe, a sopho- more from Lake Village, made up the starting pitching rotation. | Gandy and Chambers each pitched no- hitters during the season. Gandy threw a no-hitter at Louisiana State University at Alexandria, while Chambers became the first UAM pitcher in 16 years to hurl a no- hitter at home, a 1-0 victory over College of the Ozarks. During the season, Rhodes and Owen | established themselves as the most dan- gerous base stealers in the AIC. Rhodes . James Turner puts his body into a swing that produced a base hit. stole 19 bases in 22 tries while Owen | swiped 18 of 20. Based on the average 236 Athletics

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BASEBALL || | | i) | q a) il | | ||| | | ] | a I | i} | | | ‘ 2 Cn 3 i Rt, Pi | ade i 3 | Top: Baseball enthusiasts applaude a UAM base hit. Left: Coach Rollins hits ground balls to infielders during practice. I Above: Calvin Rowe warms up in the bullpen. | Hl! | “ | | r i | | 238 Athletics