One of the national pastime's favorite pastime is nibbling sunflower seeds.

But for the University of Hawai'i, that tradition has come to an end.

"It just doesn't seem like baseball," UH coach Mike Trapasso said.

The 2008 Rainbows had their first team workout at Les Murakami Stadium yesterday on their newly installed Domo turf. It replaced the 11-year-old AstroTurf that lasted past its seven-year warranty and was basically on life support. Seams could be seen splitting in recent years. The new turf, similar to the FieldTurf at Aloha Stadium, was certainly a sight for sore eyes.

"It's so nice," senior second baseman Jon Hee said. "Feels good."

But the new turf also brought new house rules. Sunflower seed shells that used to line the front of the dugout are history.

The entire field, including the base paths, foul territory and the bullpens are covered with the new turf. Only the pitcher's mound and home plate area remain in clay.

"You don't have to worry about rug rashes, the little burns you usually get (on AstroTurf)," senior center fielder Brandon Haislet said.

The mound sported a new look, at least in the way it sloped on the backside of the rubber. The dropoff appeared steeper, rather than gradual. Trapasso said that will be fixed.

Other than the smell of rubber in the air from the sand and rubber mixture sprinkled on the turf, the feel of baseball was back. The Rainbows welcomed 15 new players, including 10 true freshmen.

"I'm excited just to get started," Trapasso said. "The kids are ready."

The Rainbows open the season Feb. 15 against UH-Hilo. They get a week head start from the rest of the Division I nation. This is the first year Division I has a uniform starting date of Feb. 22. The two UH teams have an exemption to play a week earlier. Both had hoped for an exemption that would allow them to play Mainland teams.

With the later starting date, the NCAA allowed more dates for fall workouts. Trapasso said that was a blessing because there were so many incoming freshmen, six of them pitchers. (There also are two redshirt freshmen in pitcher Sam Spangler and utility fielder Jeffrey Van Doornum.)

The Rainbows return most of their up-the-middle spots with Haislet in center, Landon Hernandez at catcher and Hee at second base. Hee, though, could see some action at shortstop along with returnee Nate Young and freshman Greg Garcia, Trapasso said.

"I have no problem putting any of those guys there," Trapasso said. "We'll see all three playing there in the first part of the season."

Hee is the only returning starter in the infield. Vinny Catricala and Kevin Macdonald are projected to anchor third and first, respectively. Both saw considerable action last year as freshmen.

Hee said he had surgery on his left shoulder that suffered recurring subluxation over the past two seasons, usually after landing on his shoulder on diving plays.

Meanwhile, outfielder Matt Roquemore and Evan Zimny had nice fall workouts, Trapasso said.

The biggest loss is 49 starts on the mound from last year. Junior Matt Daly (5-2, 3.38), who threw a no-hitter for the Hyannis Mets of the Cape Cod League over the summer, returns. Used primarily as a reliever, he made seven starts last season.

Nick Rhodes (0-2, 3.68), who made two starts last year, had a strong fall, Trapasso said. Jayson Kramer (3-4, 3.75), who had some crucial relief appearances last year totaling 48 innings, is expected to be a contributor.

"A lot of our returning players have improved," Trapasso said.

There are familiar faces in new roles this season. Former Rainbow infielder Julian Russell (2002-03) is a volunteer coach and last year's reserve catcher Bryan Ruff is team manager.

Also joining the baseball program is Lisa Hansen, who is the director of baseball operations. She fills the void left with the retirement of long-time secretary Norma Higuchi.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.