David Pierce and the Texas baseball team returned to the field Friday for the start of practice for the upcoming season. Pierce returns for his second season leading the 'Horns. 

Last year UT went 39-24 , making their return to the post-season. They won the first two games at the Long Beach regional, but couldn't beat the host team after that and saw their season come to an end.

Texas lost a lot from that team, including 11 guys to the major league draft. Even with those guys gone, UT enters this season ranked in most pre-season polls and reason to be optimistic.

They'll return a solid pitching staff led by Nolan Kingham in the starting rotation and Beau Ridgeway in the closer's role. The Longhorns defense should be strong as well with David Hamilton returning at shortstop and the likes of Austin Todd in the outfield.

Texas opens the season at home on February 16th against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.