The defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament champion Bethune-Cookman Wildcats were predicted to win the 2009 Baseball Championship, as voted on by the league’s head baseball coaches and sports information directors. 

Bethune-Cookman finished the 2008 season with a 17-1 MEAC mark and 36-22 overall record. They won their 12^th MEAC title and made their ninth appearance in the NCAA post season tournament last season. The Wildcats return seven key players from last year’s championship team including 2008 MEAC Pitcher of the Year Hiram Burgos.

Florida A&M was picked to finish in second place following an 11-7 conference record and 20-22 overall mark. Tim Jones, the 2008 MEAC Rookie of the Year, is one of six starters returning from last year’s team.

North Carolina A&T was chosen to finish third in conference standings. The Aggies were 11-6 in MEAC play and 29-30 overall. Delaware State (11-7, 16-33) and Norfolk State (7-10, 25-24) were predicted to finish fourth and fifth in the standings, respectively.

MEAC Baseball begins this weekend with all seven conference teams in action. The defending MEAC champion Bethune-Cookman Wildcats will travel to Compton, California to take on San Diego State in their season opener of the Urban Invitational.  Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M and Maryland Eastern Shore will begin their regular seasons at home, while Norfolk State and North Carolina A&T are on the road for opening weekend.

The 2009 MEAC Baseball Championship tournament is scheduled for May 14-17, at the Jackie Robinson Stadium in Daytona Beach, Florida.

For more information on MEAC baseball or other sponsored events, log on to www.MEACsports.com.

2009 Preseason Baseball Predictions
As voted on by the leagues head coaches and sports information directors