AROUND THE HORN: Diamond Hogs Notebook

Shank Honored Sunday was a special occasion in Baum Stadium, and not just because Arkansas finally figured out a way to beat Alabama.

Former Arkansas baseball public address announcer Larry Shank was honored before the game, as “Larry Shank Day” was held at the ballpark. The Razorbacks’ P.A. man for 18 years, Shank passed away last July after a long battle with cancer.

“Larry was just so special to the program and to the fans,” former Arkansas coach Norm DeBriyn said. “The energy he brought to the ballpark was so special. And just his uniqueness, like doing the National Anthem and his ‘This is Baseball!’ was great.

“He was so much a part of it and you just miss that. So, I think honoring him the way we did was special to his family and really a great tribute to him.”

As part of the day honoring Shank, the university announced that the Baum Stadium public address room will be renamed Larry Shank Public Address Booth. The school will also install a commemorative plaque near the second level entry at Baum.

Also as part of the tribute, the first 1,000 fans in attendance Sunday received a miniature bat commemorating Shank’s work while the Shank family also received a 2007 SEC Western Division championship ring.

“It was a perfect day to win a game,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “Larry helped build the atmosphere out here and it was a thrill to present his family with an SEC championship ring.”



Quick Hits

Alabama leadoff hitter Josh Rutledge tied a school record by hitting safely in his 21st consecutive Southeastern Conference game... Stephen Richards picked up his third save of the season Sunday, tying Travis Hill for a team high... Despite the 1-2 weekend, Arkansas remained just one half game out of the eighth and final spot for the SEC Tournament... The Razorbacks have no scheduled midweek game this week for the first time this season and return to action Friday against South Carolina.



THE INSIDE PITCH

No. 17 South Carolina Gamecocks at Arkansas Razorbacks

WHEN: 6:35 p.m., Friday WHERE: Baum Stadium, Fayetteville

SERIES: Arkansas leads, 24-18 LAST MEETING: Razorbacks won, 3-2 on May 26, 2007 at SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala.

TV: none

ON THE AIR: KFAY 1030 AM; KURM 790 AM, 100.3 FM; KHGG 1580 AM, 103.1 FM; KXIO 106.9 FM

LAST TIME OUT: