Road-clogged season in sight for men’s baseball
It’s only February, but spring fever is infectious for those surrounded by Bison baseball.
Stiff competition will again set the plate for the team fresh off its inaugural season at Division I.
The result of the lopsided 10-43-1 record last season is a steep learning curve.
“ Last year, our players learned a lot and gained valuable experience by playing such tough teams,” head coach Mitch McLeod said. “Baseball is a mental game and I think this team will be more mentally prepared than last year.”
The University of Minnesota will again highlight the home schedule after traveling to Fargo last season.
However, most of the games will occur on the road, which has two effects: difficulty in studying and potential for the fan base to become out of touch.
The Bison play 42 of their 51 games on the road, including traveling to 10 different states. The mental preparation stressed by coach McLeod won’t come easy.
Being on the road that much results in players having to miss class, do homework on the road and make up tests when they return from a road trip.
Although the idea of having a legitimate excuse to miss class sounds great, it can really take a toll on players.
“ It is fun getting the chance to play baseball all around the country, but it makes it hard to keep up with academics,” junior outfielder Greg Plecki said.
Plecki, expected to make a significant contribution to the team, figures this year’s squad will be more competitive and thus will win more games.
Beginning the season with 28-straight road games won’t make it easy on them though.
“ In the previous years, we have started slow and ended fast,” senior pitcher Tom Branca said. “We need to get a head start and keep it going all year.”
Branca is the game-one starting pitcher as the Bison begin playing this weekend at the River City Classic in California.
“ A realistic goal I would like us to reach this year is to have a .500 record,” McLeod said. “If we can do the little things right consistently, I think we have a good shot.”
The first time they will step onto their home field at Newman Outdoor Field will be April 14 in a doubleheader against Valley City State.
Less than a month later will be the last chance to catch the Bison when they face Creighton May 9.
The season finale will feature the Blujays who won the Missouri Valley Conference and earned a birth in the Regional Tournament.
Bison fans have plenty to look forward to in supporting their team for the few home games on the schedule.
Home opener is, in fact, only 28 games away.