Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Baseball off to promising start

by melissa fowler

mjfowler@vwc.edu

Six and One. This is the current record of Virginia Wesleyan Collge’s baseball team. It looks like it is going to be a successful season.

Even though they have only played seven games, Coach Nick Boothe is pleased with the progress so far.

“On this team it seems like everyone has figured out their role and accepted it,” he said. “They are working really well as a team.”

The Marlins lost five key players this season in Ricky Allred (IF/RHP), David Whigham (RHP), Eric

Nguyen (RHP), and two players who were signed by the Chicago Cubs--Matt Hudgins (C) and Chris Rivera (RHP)--who now play for the club’s rookie league team.

Even with the loss of those key players, the Marlins picked up some promising freshmen, including Gary Bulman (RHP), Max Axelrod (RHP), Matt Lacik (LHP), Greg Cheza (INF), Mike Pastore (OF) and Tim Black (INF).

“We are going to get stronger and better as the season progresses,” said freshman pitcher Bobby George.

The strengths of this year’s team seem to be pitching and defense as is usually the case with Boothe and his group. However:

“Hitting has been surprisingly potent,” Boothe said.

They scored 10 runs in a recent game against Averett University in Danville, Va.

There is a lot of experience on this team as well as many good, young arms. Seniors Chris Deanes (RHP), Jesse Freeman (RHP) and David Imperato (LHP) have all stepped up for their team on the mound so far.

As far as the future for Marlins baseball, Boothe believes that as long as they play together and they accept their roles, the team will do a good job. If teammates do not get along, they won’t play well.

“All teams that do well will tell you they are a close-knit group,” Boothe said.

It doesn’t just take the players getting along to do well. The coaching staff is also important. All the coaches get along well and know the game. Boothe says that he looks at what other coaches do, but he has his own style. He treats his team like men more than other coaches might. He is close with them and holds them accountable and responsible for their actions.

“[The coaches] make sure we do what we are supposed to be doing,” said George. “If we get out of line, they put us in our place.”.

The Marlins biggest challenge this season is continuing to work together as a team, maintaining their hitting and beating their rivals: Hampden-Sydney and Bridgewater College.

It seems like the Marlins are really enjoying their success and working hard to make sure it continues.

“We are playing well together and have great team chemistry,” according to sophomore catcher Jesse Scarborough. “We are just having fun.”