News digest, Jan. 17

NCAA council adjusts practice schedule

Kendall Rogers of  D1Baseball.com reports The NCAA Division I Council has approved changing the amount of practices schools can have in the preseason. The new standard, which goes into  effect Aug.1, will allow 27 practices over 35 days. Previously, schools could have 18 practices in 21 days.

Practice 

Swig & Swine Classic Field set

The six-team field for the annual Swig & Swine Classic in suburban Charleston has been set for opening weekend of the season for NCAA Division I teams.

Ball State, Maryland, Mercyhurst, Towson, UAB and UMass Lowell will play four games over three days (Feb. 14-16) at the facility on the banks of the Wando River.

Ball State is coached by former Greenville Braves infielder Rich Maloney. Maryland's roster includes outfielder Elijah Lambros, a transfer from South Carolina.

SWIG & SWINE CLASSIC

Shipyard Park Complex, Charleston

Friday, Feb. 14

Detyens Field

Towson vs. Ball State, 11:30 a.m.

UAB vs. Maryland, 4:30 p.m.

Wando River Field

Mercyhurst vs. UMass Lowell, noon

Saturday, Feb. 15

Detyens Field

Maryland vs. Ball State, noon

UMass-Lowell vs. Ball State, 4 p.m.

Wando River Field

Mercyhurst vs. UAB, noon

Towson vs. UAB,4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 16

Detyens Field

UAB vs. Ball State, 10 a.m.

Mercyhurst vs. Maryland, 1 p.m.

Wando River Field

UMass-Lowell vs. Towson, 11 a.m.

Clemson's opening weekend on FloBaseball

Based on my research, it appears Clemson's games in the Shriners Children's College Showdown to open season Feb. 14-16 in Arlington, Texas, will stream only on FloBaseball, which costs $29.99 per month.  FloBaseball also offers CAA (College of Charleston) and South Atlantic Conference (Anderson, Coker, Limestone, Newberry) games. That's almost three times the monthly cost of ESPN+.  I've never subscribed, but I've read of people being disappointed with the quality of FloSports productions.

2025 College World Series schedule revealed

The NCAA  on Thursday announced the schedule and TV coverage for the 2025 College World Series June 13-23 in Omaha. The announcement on Omaha.com's website included pictures of previous championship celebrations, including South Carolina's title in 2010. Optimistic fans - make your plans. I've been to Omaha twice as a fan and twice as a journalist. All four trips were wonderful.
CWS