University of Houston Athletics
Baseball Boasts Four on MLB Opening Day Rosters
4/6/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 6, 2004
HOUSTON - Four former University of Houston players appeared on the Opening Day roster of Major League Baseball teams as the American and National leagues began regular-season play this week.
The Cougars had the most players of any Conference USA school, doubling the closest team Memphis, which had a pair of veteran pitchers in the Major Leagues this season. Veteran righthanders Woody Williams (St. Louis Cardinals) and Ben Weber (Anaheim Angels) were joined by southpaw Shane Nance, who begins his first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004, and Ryan Wagner (Cincinnati Reds).
Wagner became the first player in UH, Conference USA and Cincinnati Reds history to compete at the collegiate and Major League levels in the same season.
Charlotte, USF, Southern Miss, TCU and UAB each have one former standout currently on an Opening Day roster. In addition, nearly 100 former C-USA players are currently playing minor league baseball.
The Cougars continue their 2004 season at 7 p.m., Tuesday, when they meet No. 4 Rice in Game Four of the annual Silver Glove Series at Cougar Field.
-- UH --
