ST. JOSEPH – With five returning starters and 10 returning letter winners, the Missouri Western baseball team is picked fifth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

The Griffons were just two votes behind fourth place Lindenwood in the poll.  Last year’s team went 29-21 with a 22-14 mark in MIAA play, finishing fifth in the MIAA. Headlining the returners are relief pitcher Richard Peoples (2015 3rd Team All-MIAA), first baseman Cosimo Cannella (Honorable Mention All-MIAA), infielder David Glaude (Honorable Mention All-MIAA) and utility man Orencio Fisher (Honorable Mention All-MIAA).

Buzz Verduzco enters his 17th season as the head coach of the Griffons and is just the second coach in the program’s history. Verduzco won his 300th MIAA game last season and now holds a career mark of 463-348 with a 320-229 record in MIAA games. Joining Verduzco’s coaching staff this season is 2013 NCBWA National Player of the Year Michael Schulze. The highly decorated Griffon returns to Missouri Western after a few years playing professional baseball.

Missouri Western begins the season Feb. 6 with a three-game series at Arkansas Tech. The Griffons are scheduled for a home opening series against Washburn on Feb. 26.

2016 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Southern (11) – 166
2. Emporia State (1) – 152
3. Central Missouri (2) – 141
4. Lindenwood – 122
5. Missouri Western – 120
6. Washburn – 114
7. Nebraska-Kearney – 97
8. Central Oklahoma – 87
9. Fort Hays State – 64
10. Northeastern State – 60
11. Southwest Baptist – 47
12. Northwest Missouri – 46
13. Pittsburg State – 45
14. Lincoln – 13

— MWSU Athletics —