In three days, professional baseball makes its return to Selma for the first time since 1962, and the Cloverleafs and their management are beginning to feel the pressure.

The Cloverleafs begin the 2002 season against Southeastern League foe Americus, Georgia on Friday at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and general admission is $7. It’s also the Arrows first season in the league.

Selma mayor James Perkins Jr. is slated to throw out the first ball, which will be autographed by the team and could be sent to a local museum.

Right now, though, it seems that addressing the little things is what is making people affiliated with the organization a bit jumpy, said Southeastern League minority investor Noopie Cosby on Tuesday.

“It’s all the little details we’re trying to put together,” Cosby said. “It’s addressing everything from how much toilet paper we’re going to need for the restrooms to the distribution of food and drinks.”

The newly-formed Cloverleafs conducted their second practice in Selma on Tuesday, as the players tried to develop some chemistry among themselves by taking infield and batting practice.

“Yeah, I think everybody’s a little nervous the closer Friday gets, but I think we’re already to get out there and show everybody what we can do,” said right-handed pitcher Kyle Parker.

Parker, who is from North Carolina, is slated to start for the Cloverleafs on Saturday, a day after Friday’s probable starter, Miami native Dennis Gomez, fires the first live pitch in the Cloverleafs’ inaugural game.

Selma native Terry Waters is expected to get the start on Sunday, pitching coach Jim Brantley said on Tuesday, but the rotation is always subject to change.

Cloverleafs manager Merritt Bowden has just about completed his lineup for Friday’s game, but he still has some tinkering to do in regards to what kind of pitcher Americus will throw against his squad, he said.