Baseball Preview
For this year’s McDaniel baseball team, losing is no longer acceptable.
According to Senior Outfielder Brandon Kline, things have changed in the dugout for the Green Terror. “In the past I think guys have been complacent with losing, but that is not the case this year,”explained Kline, “I feel like there are a lot more guys that want to win, and are willing to do whatever it takes to become a contender.”
In order to become a contender, the team needs to reduce the number of errors and walks, problems that seemed to plague them a year ago. “We made a lot of errors last year and had a lot of walks. The errors give other teams extra outs to work with and the walks just bail teams out. If we can fix those problems, I think you’ll see a lot more wins this year than losses.” Manager Dave Seibert feels that this past offseason has improved the situation through practice and recruiting. “I believe we are better at every position this season compared to last season. Our defense should be much improved and we have more depth on the mound which should really help us this year,” says Seibert.
Senior catcher Chris Longo agrees with Seibert, crediting the offseason as one of the best since playing at McDaniel, and hopes to see all the hard work displayed on the diamond. Longo explains, “We all have been working hard in the weight room and at practices. Our team is in the best physical shape since the ‘08 season and that’s going to really help. The infielders have really been focused on making no throwing mistakes which has been a problem in the past. Our coaches have really pushed us every day to better ourselves and I believe that each person on our team has risen to that challenge and improved their skills.”
These improvements have brought enthusiasm to a locker room that hasn’t been this game ready in years. “Our locker room is hyped! We feel like our defense and pitching is the best it’s been in years and those two things alone are enough to win games,” says Longo. “The fact that our offense is strong 1 through 9 is what really brings our excitement to the next level. Everyone is expecting us to do better than we have done the past 7 years.”
It seems that the sole focus for the Green Terror baseball team is winning. “I am excited for this year,” says Kline, “and people should get out and watch us as we are going to bring McDaniel baseball back to where it used to be.”
