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KIM HILL | THE SPECTRUM Fresh Additions to the Team: With experience gained through fall ball and off season training, the team’s freshmen have made large contributions to the squad. “It started in the fall,” junior Luke Lind said. “All of our guys had a great fall. All of the freshman have really stepped up too.” One freshman who has been getting plenty of playing time is center fielder Alec Abercrombie, who has five hits and seven runs in 26 at bats. Both Jordan Harms (right handed pitcher) and Blake Tritch (right handed pitcher/outfielder) have both appeared in three of the team’s games thus far. Both Logan McShane (right handed pitcher) and Parker Harm (left handed pitcher/outfielder) are eager to get playing time for the Bison throughout the season.
- Depth at All Positions: With the number of players the Bison have at each position, the team is able to utilize multiple talented athletes. “We’re not relying on one or two guys, we’re relying on 12 or 13 hitters and 11 or 12 pitchers, and that’s nice to see,” head coach Tod Brown said. Not only does the team have plenty of options, they are all exceptional options. All contributing members have started with a strong season, part of which some of the players think could be due to the closeness of the team. “Everybody’s been stepping up, everyone’s been playing well. It’s been like a brotherhood, honestly. Everyone has each other’s backs,” Lind said.
- Experienced Players: Due to the large number of seniors on this year’s squad, there is plenty of talent to lead the team. Between the four captains, infielder Paul Funk, infielder Andy Wickland, left handed pitcher Parker Trewin and right handed pitcher Brian VanderWoude, the team has been off to a promising start. While the captains and the rest of the senior class set a positive example in the game, they also lead with positive attitudes, a good work ethic and by setting examples outside of baseball.
- Early Confidence: Beginning last season with just one win in the first ten games of the year, the early success of this year is something the team is excited about. Off to a strong start individually is sophomore Jayse McLean, who credited the team’s success as an overall effort: “We’re just trying to do as much as we can and take advantage of opportunities and just playing for the guy next to you.” Currently holding an 8-3 record, the Bison look to stay strong on the road before eventually hosting teams beginning in early April.
- Upcoming Games: Going 2-2 last weekend in the Snowbird Baseball Classic Tournament in Port Charlotte, Florida, the Bison will finish out the tournament Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Florida, facing Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Michigan State.
