A JMU Diamond Duke tradition got underway Thursday afternoon, with Game One of the team's annual Purple and Gold Series.

The Dukes are coming off last season's NCAA Tournament appearance. Head coach Spanky McFarland says the best-of-seven series, which marks the conclusion of fall ball, is a chance for the staff to evaluate players in game situations and give newcomers a taste of game experience.

And it gets pretty competitive.

"We've got little things on the line, bragging rights," says McFarland. "Get your name on the plaque, your team picture on the plaque in the office."

"It's always fun to rag on your teammates, and getting under everyone's skin," says junior pitcher Kyle Hoffman. "It's always fun as a team to do that, so we look forward to it a lot."

Assistant coaches Jay Sullenger and Ted White manage the two teams. The rosters are determined by an NFL-style draft a few days before the start of the series, with McFarland serving as commissioner.

Sophomore pitcher Turner Phelps was this year's top overall pick, taken by Sullenger's Gold team.

"What you do in the Purple and Gold, you hear about all year," says Phelps. "I gave up back-to-back home runs to Matt Townsend and Steve Caseres last year, and they still talk about it."