By PJ Marcello, Staff Writer -- marcello13@up.edu
After finishing second in the WCC last year, Pilots baseball looks to turn out an even better season with a mix of veteran stars and fresh newcomers.
The team graduated five seniors last year, and junior Zach Varce was drafted to the New York Yankees.
"We'll miss guys like Zach Varce, who was our Friday night starter, Rocky Gale, our starting catcher, and CJ Cullen, who played first base, but we have some guys to look out for this year," junior short stop Kris Kauppila said.
The Pilots aren't without leadership; they will have eight seniors and eight juniors leading an experienced team and some returning stars.
"We have some key guys coming back in. Kyle Kraus, who was outstanding last year, and also Chris Dennis, who is a preseason All-American and put up huge numbers last year," sophomore Colin Feldtman said.
Many young players are looking to fill the roles of graduated seniors.
The competition for the jobs is improving the team. "This year, look out for Brian Fratalli at first base, as well as Chet Thompson and pitcher Chris Johnson to be major contributors," Kauppila said.
Freshmen are looking to make an early impact this year and have proved to be a hard-working class.
"The freshman class has been competing and playing really well, especially this early in their college careers," Feldtman said.
With this blend of veteran leadership and young talent, the Pilots plan on making a run at the WCC title and a shot at advancing in regionals. Last season the team finished second in the WCC. It's predicted to finish second in the division again in preseason polls, but the team's expectations are above that bar.
"Last year was our first top three finish in a long time," Kauppila said. "We have a lot of returners with the same mentality we had last year. We're going to be dangerous this year."
The team has a new look with incoming freshmen and new players in some key positions but the work ethic and team camaraderie has remained with the team.
"Our team chemistry is what makes us unique. We hold everyone accountable both on and off the field," Feldtman said.
The season begins tomorrow in Tennessee. The team will face Middle Tennessee State in a three-game series. The first home game is on Feb. 22 at 2:00 p.m. against George Fox.
"It's going to be a good season. We're going to do something special this year," Kauppila said.
