The MIAA released its Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll on Thursday (Feb. 2). Fort Hays State was picked fourth in the 11-team conference behind Central Missouri, Emporia State, and Missouri Western. Central Missouri (No. 3) and Emporia State (No. 8) are both in the top 10 of the preseason national rankings. The Tigers finished fourth in the MIAA in each of the past two years.

FHSU begins its second season under head coach Steve Johnson on February 24 at West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. The Tigers play a three-game series there before their home opening series against Northwest Missouri State, March 2-4.

The Tigers have five All-MIAA selections from last year returning to the 2012 team, which includes Nash Smith, Anthony Salinas, Brandon Hoefler, JC Ochoa, and Brett Macari. All five are seniors this year. Smith was a second-team selection in the outfield, while Salinas (outfield), Hoefler (outfield), Ochoa (designated hitter) and Macari (relief pitcher) were honorable mention selections.

The complete MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll is listed below…

2012 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 99 pts.
2. Emporia State (2) – 92 pts.
3. Missouri Western – 74 pts.
4. Fort Hays State – 73 pts.
5. Missouri Southern – 63 pts.
6. Washburn – 56 pts.
7. Northwest Missouri – 49 pts.
8. Pittsburg State – 37 pts.
9. Truman – 31 pts.
10. Lincoln – 19 pts.
11. Southwest Baptist – 12 pts.

– FHSU Sports Information –