The 2006 baseball season kicks off this weekend with the Flyers heading to Spartanburg, S.C. for a three game set with Wofford. Coming off a phenomenal 2005 season, UD hopes to do more than just replicate their success in 2006.

2005 was a season filled with fine accomplishments for the UD baseball team. It marked the third consecutive year in which the Flyers had won at least 30 games. The 36 wins compiled by the Flyers was the most in the team's history. Capping all accolades was having senior pitcher Craig Stammen selected in the 12th round of the major league draft by the Washington Nationals.

A talented, veteran group of players has manager Tony Vittorio excited about what is to come this season.

'We sit here and talk about goals every year, but talking about it is just talking about it,' said Vittorio. 'We have built a very solid program, there have been a lot of great players here in the past, coaches have helped build it, but the building process is over and it's time to win the Atlantic-10 championship.'

Senior starting pitcher Luke Trubee has already been pinned as a player who will take the Flyers to their successes. The right-handed Xenia native has been placed on the watch list for the Roger Clemens award which is given annually to the finest collegiate pitcher in the nation. In addition, Trubee is a player to watch for the Wallace award, presented to the best all-around collegiate baseball player.

In 19 appearances last season, the righty finished with a 12-3 record and 82 strikeouts in 108 innings pitched.

'Luke is one of those pitchers who, when he's pitching, its almost like it's the catchers day off because he hits his spots and he keeps our defense on their toes,' said Vittorio. 'He gets a lot of ground balls and fly balls and the guys behind him are very confident when he pitches.'

If Trubee leaves the mound before the last out has been recorded, a capable bullpen with a wealth of experience and ability will be able to close the door.

'From a depth standpoint we are way deeper than we have ever been,' said Vittorio speaking of his relievers.

Joining Trubee as a senior who will hope to have key contributions this year is Will Benoit. A designated hitter last season, Benoit earned the job as starting catcher following a stellar season posting a .335 average while driving in 32. Also getting time behind the plate will be Josh Burt. Burt is a senior who has played one year at UD following two seasons at Lincoln Trail CC.

'He is a very good catch and throw guy who needs to prove himself a bit offensively this year,' said Vittorio.

Around the infield, UD looks nearly identical to last season. Joe McSorley returns at third base as do Mike Massa and Galen Schumm at shortstop and second base, respectively. Massa brings an element of speed to his game which sets the tempo for the entire lineup.

'He is the perfect leadoff hitter, he is fast and aggressive as well as being a great competitor,' said Vittorio. 'It is what makes him a complete player from an offensive and defensive standpoint.'

Redshirt sophomore Michael DeLuca will take over duties at first base for the Flyers.

In the outfield, sluggers Bryan Chandler and Bobby Getty return. Chandler, a senior, is moving from left field to right field and Getty, a junior, moves from center field to left field. The starting job in center field is still up in the air.

'The center field spot is open right now between three guys,' said Vittorio. 'Roberto Ramos, a fifth year senior who played a lot last year is the most experienced, Kevin Miller a redshirt sophomore who has been waiting in the wings and we also have a heralded freshman in Max Navilinski, but we worry about his experience. Along with the other two guys we won't have a problem.'

This season marks the third year in which UD will be playing at Time Warner Stadium. The Flyers have not made their field friendly to opponents.

'We have taken great pride in the facility, it is very humbling to have such a beautiful stadium, we were 18-4 there last year I guess we could tell you how we feel about our stadium,' said Vittorio. 'We have a little saying in our locker room 'This is our house.' This was our house last year and I expect the same this year.'

The Flyers take on Wofford for a three-game series this weekend, then follow with the APSU invitational and come home to Time Warner Stadium on March 1 for a matchup with Bowling Green at 2 p.m.