New Pelicans swoop down in Myrtle Beach

Heads Carolina, tails California.

This year's crop of Myrtle Beach Pelicans faced more than the usual coin-toss chance of finding out which coast they would be starting their 2011 seasons.

The traditional path through the Texas Rangers' farm system involved a stop at Rookie-A Hickory (N.C.) en route to a cross-country stint at Advanced-A Bakersfield (Calif.).

But after the Pelicans switched affiliations from the Atlanta Braves to the Rangers in the offseason, players' minor league fates were thrown a curveball with a detour through the Grand Strand.

"The players are excited about coming here," first-year Pelicans manager Jason Wood said at Tuesday's media day at BB&T Coastal Field. "It's a great ballpark with a great fan base. We've heard nothing but good things about it, and we're excited to get started."

With Friday's season opener just days away, the new-look Pelicans got the chance to check out their new digs Tuesday. For those staying at the high-A level but making a 3,000-mile move to do so, the new ballpark felt like a promotion.

"I was in Bakersfield last year so anything is better than that," joked third baseman Michael Olt. "The stadium and the field weren't so great and we had maybe 10 fans, so even if we just doubled it to 20 here it would be an improvement."

With another sellout crowd of close to 6,000 expected for opening night, the new kids on the block at the corner of 21st Avenue North and Bob Grissom Parkway are in for a treat.

Only a few of them have experienced a game at the beach before. Charleston native and first baseman Chris McGuiness is thrilled that his family will be able to make the 90-mile drive to see him in action.

"It will be my first game here but I've heard a lot of good things about it," said the former standout at The Citadel. "I'm looking forward to being so close to home. My whole family and some friends are all coming up for opening night."

Pelicans outfielder and former Virginia Commonwealth player Jared Bolden has a few games in Myrtle Beach under his belt, having played in a tournament hosted by Coastal Carolina University during his college days.

"I played here in a tournament in college in 2007," Bolden said. "I just remember it was a great park and atmosphere. I'm excited about playing a whole season here."

Bolden also enjoyed watching his alma mater VCU's magical march to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament, but not nearly as much as Olt, a former UConn student who watched his Huskies win it all Monday night with a 53-41 victory over Butler.

"It was a tough game to watch, a really ugly game, but at least we won the championship," Olt boasted. "Now basketball season is over and I'm ready for baseball season."

That was the consensus around the clubhouse as the Pelicans settled into their new friendly confines. They're ready to play ball, even if it's not at the ballpark they were expecting.