Billy Findley
Sports Editor
The Lions baseball team is taking the field this season with high expectations and focused minds, bolstered with a determination not to allow this season to end up like the last. Already, hopes for a better season are being solidified as a team once plagued with eligibility problems, coaching changes and fierce competition has been restructured, revamped and reenergized for the 2010 season.
Along with 12 returning players, 15 new players have been added to the roster along with four redshirts However, even more good news is that all 32 players are academically eligible this season, an astonishing contrast to last year’s team.
“We have had an excellent year academically, especially versus last year,” said Head Coach Taylor Hasty. “We have taken steps in the right direction in terms of being a team that is committed to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.”
The seniors have been a solid example for the rest of the team, according to Hasty. While there will be five new players in the starting lineup, Hasty said the returning players have done a great job at working hard and staying committed throughout the off season.
Senior pitcher Daniel Zimmerman said he expects this team to be competitive and not to make it easy for other teams to win. Senior pitcher Ben Young concurred.
“We’re a lot better ball club than we were last year at this time,” Young said.
Young says he’s excited about the pitching staff this year, especially incoming 6’6” right-handed pitcher Zach Breault from New Mexico Junior College (Hobbs, N.M.) with his 92 mph fast ball.
“This year I think we’ll be more competitive and more fun to watch,” Young said.
For Hasty, success will come as long as the team can focus on each game individually.
“That is our focus, to take care of the little things and let the big things (like our final record) take care of themselves,” Hasty says.
The Lions’ next game will be at Emmanuel College (Franklin Springs, Ga.) on Feb. 5.