The baseball and softball teams have begun recruiting players for the 2018 season. Even after adding a substantial amount of recruits, the coaches intend to add more players to the roster.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar
The university’s baseball and softball teams began their recruiting process for the 2018 season. Both the teams have been busy as the baseball team recruited eight players while the softball team added 10 names to their roster.
“We’re always recruiting around here typically,” said softball Head Coach Rick Fremin. “We’re always making future plans for the program this time around.”
Fremin also spoke about all the activity the recruiting team has gone through.
“Few weeks ago, we signed 10 players for next year,” said Fremin. “We’ve got one more commitment since then. So, we’re bringing 11 players next year and the 2018 class is in place already with other signings this time next year as well.”
The recruitment process is important for going into the season ahead and future seasons.
“We always want to recruit the same or a higher level player in order to maintain or get better and we want the players to remain in shape and ready to go,” said Fremin.
Baseball Head Coach Matt Riser was satisfied with the activity in this process but believes it is unfinished
“We’re able to identify, recruit and sign almost every player that we needed for this class, but we still have one or possibly two more names in mind,” said Riser. “With the draft in June, we might lose some guy unforeseen.”
The recruits have been characterized as competitive for both the baseball and softball teams. Fremin believes it is one of the most important qualities he is looking for while recruiting.
“Character and competitiveness with the mind set to work and compete in a high level,” said Fremin. “They have to be mentally and physically tough.”
Riser also believes his new players are extremely competitive.
“I think the most common thing between all eight guys that we signed is that all of them are very competitive,” said Riser. “Not only from a baseball standpoint, but from a sport standpoint. From a working out standpoint, they’re just committed. So, everything they do is at an all time high.”
Apart from the sport standpoint, the players are also expected to do well academically and to be involved with the community.
“We expect them to be involved in the community and also fund raising,” said Fremin. “Also, to perform at a high level within the classroom to bring a high GPA. To be ranked nationally in the top 25 with team’s GPA, so that’s an expectation. We’re moving in that direction.”
The baseball team has recruited eight players. College transfer pitchers Jared Biddy and Mason Knopp along with high school athletes Preston Faulkner, Trey Harrington, Connor Manola, Cade Pipoly, Trey Shaffer and Will Warren are the new faces in baseball team.
The 10 additions to the softball team are pitcher Karli Perque, third baseman Madison Watson, catcher Shaye Tredinich, catcher Ella Manzer, outfielder Pryscilla Prince, utility player Camryn Flanagan, outfielder Anna Rodenberg, utility player Cameron Beal, catcher and outfielder Madisen Blackford and pitcher Shelby Sitzman.
The softball season kicks off on Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. at home against Army while the baseball season will begin on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at home against UL Lafayette.
The baseball and softball teams have begun recruiting players for the 2018 season. Even after adding a substantial amount of recruits, the coaches intend to add more players to the roster.
Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion's Roar
