Jan. 24, 2012

Photo Gallery
VIDEO: Watch the 2012 Leadoff Banquet
VIDEO: 2011 Highlight Film

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - With a little help from Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter, the University of Maryland baseball team celebrated the beginning of the 2012 season with its annual leadoff banquet Saturday night at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center.

Showalter, who is entering his third season as skipper with the Orioles and 14th overall in the major leagues, capped the event by participating in a question and answer session with emcee Matt Noble and members of the audience.

Prior to that, head coach Erik Bakich introduced the 33 members of Maryland's 2012 squad, which returns all eight positional starters from a year ago.

Attendees were also presented with the opportunity to meet and greet with former big leaguers, Maryland coaches and players and Showalter. To view a photo gallery of the evening, click here.

The Terrapins open the season Feb. 17-19 at UCLA, then head to the Keith LeClair Classic in Greenville, N.C. Feb. 24-26. Maryland's home opener comes March 2-4, when Manhattan visits for a four-game set.