Ryan Braun will highlight University of Miami baseball events

Former University of Miami slugger Ryan Braun, a Milwaukee Brewers All-Star who hit .320 and led the National League last season with 203 hits, will return to Coral Gables this weekend to highlight UM baseball-related festivities.

The weekend events signal the coming season, which begins at 7 p.m. on Feb. 19 with the first of a three-game home series against Rutgers. Miami, 38-22 in 2009, did not advance out of its NCAA regional but is ranked No. 13 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Poll and No. 16 by Baseball America.

Braun also will headline the Hurricanes' Baseball FanFest on Saturday at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. FanFest is free to the public and will include a home run derby featuring Braun and fellow former Cane Yonder Alonso challenging current players Yasmani Grandal and Ryan Perry.

An autograph session with the 2010 Canes will kick off FanFest at 3:45 p.m., with a season-ticket holder batting practice session at 4 p.m. The home run derby will begin at about 5:35 p.m.

Saturday's FanFest will culminate at 6:20 p.m. with an alumni game between former and current UM players. Braun and Alonso are expected to be joined by former Canes such as Cesar Carrillo (Padres), Alex Cora (Mets), Chris Perez (Indians), Jon Jay (Cardinals organization) and Kyle Bellamy (White Sox organization).

During FanFest, fans can purchase season tickets and partake in numerous activities and games.

The First National Bank of South Miami UM Baseball Golf Tournament begins at noon Monday at Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club in Miami. Former and present UM players will compete with fans.

Proceeds go to the UM baseball program. There are eight spots left.

For FanFest information, call 1-800-GO-CANES, or visit hurricanesports.com.For banquet and golf information, call 305-284-4171.



(miamiherald.com)