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Inaugural Big Four Baseball Classic To Be Held at Dunn Tire Park

In an effort to promote the exciting college baseball being played in Western New York, the Big Four today announced the introduction of the inaugural Big Four Baseball Classic to be held at Dunn Tire Park on April 27th and 28th, 2004.

Western New York's four Division I baseball programs - Buffalo, Canisius, Niagara and St. Bonaventure - will battle for the Bisons Cup to be awarded annually to the winner of the tournament. The games will be played at Dunn Tire Park - home of the Buffalo Bisons.
Buffalo and Niagara will face off in the first game on Tuesday, April 27 at 3 pm. Canisius and St. Bonaventure will play in game two. On Wednesday, April 28, the consolation game will be played at 3 pm with the championship game to immediately follow.

"The Big Four Baseball Classic provides a unique opportunity to showcase the tremendous caliber of collegiate baseball being played in Western New York," Jon Dandes, President of Rich Baseball Operations said. "The Buffalo Bisons are delighted to be associated with this local college baseball event."

Buffalo, led by fifth-year head coach Bill Breene, had a 16-37 overall record and a 5-21 Mid-American Conference mark in 2003. The 16 wins tied the most by the Bulls since joining the MAC in 2000. The Bulls' top returners include Joe Mihalics (.344, 65 hits, 32 runs, 31 RBI), Phil Vanhorne (.298, 59 hits, 36 runs) and Nick Bellacose (3.31 ERA, 11 CG, 30 SO).

"I think it's going to be great for area college baseball," Breene said. "You've got three conferences represented with the four teams, we all recruit against each other and recruit primarily in this part of the state. I think it1s going to be great for all of us and it will promote college baseball to the kids that aspire to play Division I baseball when they graduate high school."

Canisius, led by third-year head coach Mark Notaro, had a 4-38-1 overall record and a 3-23 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference mark in 2003. The Golden Griffins' top returners include senior Harpeet Padda (.281, 11 doubles, 21 RBI) and sophomore Kevin Smith (.270, 37 hits, 22 RBI).

"It has always been an exciting rivalry when Canisius plays against the University at Buffalo, St. Bonaventure and Niagara, but it will be even better this year as part of a Big Four baseball tournament," Notaro said. "We're pleased with the opportunity to play at Dunn Tire Park and hope we can help provide the fans in Buffalo some entertaining college baseball."

Niagara, led by third-year head coach Mike McRae, had a 26-25 overall record and a 16-10 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference mark in 2003. The Purple Eagles' top returners include junior Vince Ircandia (.345, 60 hits, 46 RBI), sophomore Mike Alati (.338, 21 runs, 11 RBI) and sophomore James Avery (7-2, 3.64 ERA, 64 SO).

"I think it will intensify the competition amongst the four Western New York schools, as well as, give the winner bragging rights for the year," McRae said.

St. Bonaventure, led by 19th-year head coach Larry Sudbrook, had a 22-19-1 overall record and a 9-11 Atlantic 10 mark in 2003. The Bonnies' top returners include junior Craig King (.336, 40 hits, 30 runs), senior Matt Landhahl (.333, 13 doubles, 28 RBI) and junior Mike McCormack (6-1, 4.09 ERA, 45 SO).

"We are excited to join Buffalo, Canisius and Niagara for the Big 4 Baseball Classic next spring," Sudbrook said. "We always have very competitive games against our fellow Big 4 schools and this format should only add to that. Our players are especially looking forward to competing in Dunn Tire Park. We thank the Bisons and Rich Baseball Operations for helping make this event a reality."
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Players Mentioned

Kevin Smith

#5 Kevin Smith

2B
5' 9"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Kevin Smith

#5 Kevin Smith

5' 9"
Freshman
2B