Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Baseball Welcomes Fresh Faces to Fall Practice
10/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Oct. 3, 2011
Boca Raton, FL - The new-look Florida Atlantic University baseball team hit the field running for the first time this season this week, opening fall practice on Sunday in preparation for a challenging 2012 campaign.
These practice sessions are important for Coach John McCormack and his staff since the Owls will have an entirely new infield and must find replacements for other key positions by the time the spring season starts in mid-February. The coaches have spent considerable attention with newcomers during individual workouts and bullpen pitching sessions. Sunday was the first time that the entire 2012 team was together for a workout.
FAU began the session working on basic fundamentals: perfecting cut-off throws and relays from the outfield, and improving fly-ball communication. Players also participated in batting practice before playing an intra-squad game.
"It was a good first practice. The energy was great and everybody was ready to go," said McCormack.
Key returning players are senior catcher Mike Albaladejo, preparing for his fourth year as a starting player; senior outfielder Alex Hudak, last year's leading hitter (.360 batting average); senior right-handed pitcher Ryan Garton, last year's No. 1 starter; and relief pitcher Hugh Adams, an All-South Central Region selection last season. Also, redshirt freshman pitcher Kevin Alexander has returned to the mound one year after having successful arm surgery.
Sunday's scrimmage gave several fresh faces an opportunity to make an impact on the coaching staff and their teammates.
Talented freshman pitchers Austin Gomber, Brett Nizamoff, Julian Loret de Mola and Chris Walkerow saw action on the mound. Offensively, freshman infielder Mitchell Morales joined sophomore utility player Devon Workman, freshman infielder Ricky Santiago and Julian Loret de Mola collected hits during the afternoon.
Other returning letter winners include senior pitcher Ahmed Garcia, junior pitcher Jake Meiers, junior catcher Mike Spano, junior infielder Mark Nelson, junior outfielder Nathan Pittman, sophomore outfielder Geoff Jimenez and sophomore infielder Robert Buckley.
Fall practice will continue on Monday, October 3, starting at 2 p.m.
FAU is preparing for one of its most challenging schedules, facing nine opponents that played in NCAA regionals last season, including national runner up University of Florida. The team will play its first 13 games against NCAA tournament qualifiers, beginning with a three-game series at the University of Alabama on Friday, February 17.
Learn more about the 2012 schedule here.
