The annual Groundhog Day Luncheon to benefit Blue Raider baseball was held Feb. 4 in Murphy Center with first-year head coach Jim McGuire and the Middle Tennessee baseball team. The event, which began in 1975, features a traditional menu of ham hocks, white beans, tomato salad, green onions, corn bread and chocolate cake. It also features a “special” groundhog named Raider 2 and an annual Railbird Jacket honoree, recognized for his or her volunteer devotion to Blue Raider baseball.

The 2013 Blue Raider baseball team returns 14 seniors and eight juniors from a team that posted a record of 31-28 a year ago. Opening day is Friday, Feb.15. when MTSU hosts Ball State for a three-game series at Reese Smith Field. The 2013 home schedule features games with Vanderbilt, Belmont and Tennessee.

For more details on the 2013 Groundhog Day Luncheon and Blue Raider baseball, visit www.goblueraiders.com.