FAYETTEVILLE -- Judging by the looks of the 2009 Arkansas baseball schedule, it appears as if Dorothy could sum up the slate best.

For the Diamond Hogs, there's no place like home.

Playing a schedule that includes 37 home games -- the most since 1990 -- and 13 in a row to begin the season, Arkansas will reap the benefits of Baum Stadium this spring. And for coach Dave Van Horn, staying at home is the perfect way to pay back the fans.

"I think this is probably the best fan schedule we've ever had at Arkansas," Van Horn said. "Looking at our 56 games, we play 43 of those games against teams from the (Southeastern Conference), the Pac-10 and the Big 12.

"You know, last year we went on the road and sacrificed a little with a young team. But now those teams are coming back to us. So we're excited and this is a great way to give back the fans who have always been there for us."

Aside from the regular SEC home schedule -- which this year includes series with Florida, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, LSU and Ole Miss -- the Diamond Hogs must also deal with nonconference foes Arizona State, Nebraska and Oklahoma in midweek games plus new opponents California and Washington State on a pair of weekends.

"Every team there in that group is just tough," Van Horn said. "Arizona State is just loaded every year with their recruiting. Cal had an outstanding year last year and was a top seed in a regional and Nebraska was the best team in the Big 12 for the first half of the season.

"It's just some great games, and that's what our fans want. That's also what our players want and to be honest, that's what coaches want."

Arkansas has not played more than 35 regular season games since playing 39 in 1990. Since joining the SEC in 1992, the Diamond Hogs have never played more than 34 regular season home games before this year. The 13 consecutive games to open the season at home is also the most since the Razorbacks played 14 straight to begin the 1992 campaign.

"I made the comment a couple of years ago that I want to play more home games," Van Horn said. "I mean I like going on the road and I know it can be good for your team. But with Baum Stadium and all the great support we have, we needed more home games."

And in 2009, Arkansas will certainly have them.