PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Despite a demanding offseason workout schedule, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball team has found time to succeed in the classroom and community. The group has been active the entire year as they have participated in five volunteer events and had high marks in the classroom.

 

The Hawks steadily volunteered from September to Christmas and had 22 of 28 players each a 3.0 GPA or higher.

 

UMES began the fall by participating in the UMES Street Sweep on Sept. 7. The men were active at Relay for Life at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Sept. 27, before they helped pre-k and kindergarten kids learn about different sports at the Pembroke Elementary School Sports Clinic on Oct. 9. The Hawks then worked security and helped direct the public at the 2013 Berlin Christmas Parade on Dec. 5. Two days later, the group helped out at the Holly Center in Salisbury at Operation Teddy Bear.

 

Academically, the Hawks put together a fantastic fall semester. The team had 22 of 28 players record a 3.0 GPA or higher, four of which earned a 4.0. The men combined to earn a 3.288 GPA. Last season, UMES had 10 players earn MEAC All-Academic Honors, including Stephen Bull, who earned the distinction for the second straight season.

 

UMES travels to Tampa, Fla., to begin the regular season when the Hawks play at South Florida from Feb. 14-16. USF went 36-22 a year ago, including a 25-5 record at the USF Baseball Stadium. The Bulls nearly advanced to the NCAA Regionals but fell 2-1 to Rutgers in the Big East Championship game.