2008 Woodie Awards
Armed and dangerous
Chad Hoffman
Issue date: 2/16/06 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 3 next >
|
The Jacksonville State University baseball team looks to capitalize on their back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference Championships and go all the way this season.
The team has been practicing hours on end and is ready for the season to get started. There is more excitement in the air than there is laughter at a comedy show.
The Gamecocks return 17 players this year and have brought in a very talented freshman and transfer class that will enable them to go the distance.
"This is the most talented team that I have ever been a part of," says senior Jason Horn.
Jacksonville State has brought in four freshmen and seven transfers from all across the nation. This very talented group of guys will add depth to the lineup and be challenged by the coaching staff to step up and make the play when it is necessary.
"The guys that are new have brought in a lot of energy," says head coach Jim Case. "From a work habit standpoint, they fit in very, very good. They are going to be a huge plus for us."
Some of the top newcomers that are expected to make an impact are junior Nick Cleckler in the outfield, freshman Josh Hoyle as a pitcher and outfielder, junior Josh Miller in the bullpen, and junior Allen Rose will be fighting for the spot at first base.
Returning on the mound will be powerhouse sophomore Donovan Hand. Hand, a right-handed pitcher from Hatton, Ala., was selected as the 2005 OVC Freshman of the Year after racking up a 10-3 record and a league-low 2.60 ERA. Hand was also awarded to the 2005 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American team, chosen by Collegiate Baseball newspaper. The list features a who's who of outstanding baseball talent from around the nation. He will look to lead the bullpen and improve his 90-92 mph fastball.
"I have to keep working hard and keep the pitching staff working hard," says Hand.
Returning in the bullpen with Hand is fellow All-OVC selection Lee Drinkard. Drinkard, a senior reliever for the Gamecocks, went 7-1 with five saves in 22 relief games last year and posted a 1.77 ERA.