In addition to its three Big 12 Conference games against Kansas State and Missouri, KU will play one extra non-league contest apiece against the Wildcats and Tigers. KU will travel to Manhattan on April 3 and will meet Missouri in Kansas City’s Kaufman Stadium on April 25.

“One reason is we don’t have to miss class to play those games,” KU coach Ritch Price said. “Plus it’s good for everyone’s RPI.”

¢Approximately one-sixth of the Jayhawks’ 34-man roster played high school ball in Lawrence. Of the six city products, five went to Free State (Max Ellenbecker, Matt Lane, Matt Berner, Robby Price and Ryne Price) and one (Brian Heere) to Lawrence High.

¢David Freeman, another Lawrence High product, is also in school after spending last spring at Barton County CC, but the left-handed pitcher is ineligible this semester.

¢Freshman pitcher Brett Bochy is a son of Bruce Bochy, who was named manager of the San Francisco Giants last October after spending 12 seasons as skipper of the San Diego Padres.

¢Juco transfer outfielder Casey Larson’s dad Dan is a former major-league pitcher. Also, catcher-DH Joe Servais’ father Ed is head baseball coach at Creighton University.

¢Weather willing, Kansas will open at home with a three-game series against South Dakota State Feb. 9-11. Jackrabbits coach Reggie Christiansen is a former Price aide. Christiansen’s pitching coach is former KU hurler Chris Smart.