03-22-2006, 05:32 PM
Quote:FSU wants to reward fans in Jacksonville
By Steve Ellis
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
The opportunity to catch the eye of a Tony Richie or Daniel Hodges is reason enough for Florida State's baseball team to play in Jacksonville.
But recruiting is not the main reason that FSU coach Mike Martin chooses to play at Jacksonville University's home stadium on a consistent basis - something he doesn't do for most nonconference opponents.
''We know there are great players over there, don't get me wrong,'' Martin said in reference to Jacksonville-area products and former Seminoles Richie and Hodges. ''But the main reason we go there is for the fans. There are a lot of teams that come here and we just play (them) here. But the great support that we receive from our fans in Jacksonville makes it very important to me that we go over there.''
Today's 7 p.m. game at Alexander Brest Field is one of two games FSU will play at Jacksonville this season. Martin had wanted one game to be played at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, but JU was unable to work it out. Including this season's games, FSU has played JU in Jacksonville 11 times since 2000. FSU has played at Florida 10 times in the regular season during that span.
It's not that FSU hasn't found support in its rare road trips to Central Florida or when the ACC tournament has been held in St. Petersburg. But Jacksonville's support goes beyond giving FSU a home-game atmosphere on the road.
Since October 2000 the Jacksonville Seminole Club and Seminole Club of Clay County have combined to sponsor the only fundraising golf tournament for baseball held by Seminole Clubs. Club members said they also contribute to the Bullpen Club. Max Zahn, whom Martin gives credit as being one of the tournament's founders, said that nearly $16,000 was raised through the 2005 fundraiser that included a tournament that attracts between 80 and 110 participants, an auction, a putting contest and a cookout.
The Seminoles, now ranked No. 1 in three national polls, can expect a strong contingent of FSU fans today. The chance of watching FSU without investing a five-hour round-trip to Tallahassee is something many fans will take advantage of tonight.
''It's an important game for us,'' former Jacksonville Seminole Club president Jim Edmiston said.
Noteworthy
Catcher Danny Diaz was diagnosed with a sprained wrist, and Martin said he may play tonight after missing the Virginia Tech series. The coach added that left fielder Mark Gildea is 100 percent after aggravating a hamstring earlier and Martin may try to play both Gildea and Ryan Strauss, who has been replacing Gildea in left field. One would be used as a designated hitter.
pitcher hits Tony on the upper leg... Bases loaded! 
