James Madison baseball will storm the field on Wednesday, October 23 at 4 p.m. to commence its first competition in the team's annual Purple and Gold World Series, which will feature a best-of-three format this year.

The series will take place at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park and allows each player the chance to represent either the purple or gold side. The teams for each side were chosen during a live draft that the team held at Memorial Hall on Thursday, Oct. 18.

"It's about going out there and having three good days of baseball," said Assistant Coach Ted White of the annual series of scrimmages. "It gets us in a competitive environment and simulating a real game."

During the draft, the players sat anxiously waiting to hear which side they would be representing for the series. Head Coach Spanky McFarland appointed four seniors for the coaching staff this year: Casey Goss, Johnny Bladel, Cole McInturff and Bradley Shaban.

Shaban and McInturff were awarded the first pick while Goss and Bladel were given the second and third selections as well as choice of jerseys.  The remainder of the draft proceeded with each side standing up and announcing its pick. After a player was chosen they walked to the front of the room and high fived their coaches.

The team will actually begin the Purple and Gold World Series with pre-event Scout Day activities on Wednesday. The annual showcase day gives interested MLB scouts the opportunity to run the players through infield and outfield drills and observe batting practice. Both pro day and the tournament will be open to the public free of charge.

The complete schedule and rosters for the Purple and Gold World Series are posted below. 

Fall Purple and Gold World Series Schedule

Game 1: Wednesday, October 23 at 4 p.m.

Game 2: Thursday, October 24 at 4:30 p.m

Game 3: Friday October 25 at 4 p.m.

Purple Position Roster

Purple Pitching Staff

Gold Position Roster

Gold Pitching Staff