Play ball!

Preview of SAU baseball season

Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put its failures behind and start over again. That’s the way life is, with a new game every day, and that’s the way baseball is. – Bob Feller

Spring Arbor University baseball, under the coaching of Sam Riggleman, has worked to build upon the program that was molded by Hank Burbridge to create a team that is recognized not only in the Midwest, but also on the national level. Over the past eight years the Cougars have worked to achieve their successes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) by forming a team of dedicated student-athletes with a solid foundation of the fundamentals of the game.

Looking Back

Last season, the Cougars had a 39-18 record and were 20-14 in conference play. In the past five years they have posted a 165-83 record. At the start of the season the men won 15 straight games, mostly against non-conference teams. The team’s .336 batting average was ranked 9th nationally in the NAIA.

Coach Riggleman earned the 900th win of his coaching career in early April. Dane Staples also pitched a no-hitter in the last game of the Cougars 15-game win streak. The 2012 team made it to the National Christian College Athletic Association’s (NCCAA) Midwest Regional Tournament.

Four players received All Conference recognitions and were named to the first team. Three players also received All American recognitions and five players were named to the NCCAA Mid-West Region first team.

Looking Forward

The 2013 season shows great promise with a goal to participate in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament. The health of the pitching staff, along with the rest of the team, will be important as the season begins. The loss of the six seniors from the 2012 squad opened room for the five new freshmen.

Returning for the 2013 season are noted position players Mark Weist, Shane Street and Maverick Nichols. “Weist is arguably one of the top returning offensive players in the Crossroads League. His blend of speed and power make him a special player,” said Coach Riggleman. Weist was named NCCAA Mid West Region Player of the Year last season after hitting a .443 average with 86 hits while driving in 48 runs.

On the mound are return pitchers Jerry Ferris and Mitchell Patterson. Patterson is coming off a great freshman season and continues to improve, while Riggleman said Ferris is in the “top tier of pitchers in the league.” Ferris had a 1.44 earned run average (ERA) in the 97 innings he pitched. He also had an 11-3 record. Patterson had a 2.72 ERA, pitched 79.2 innings and had 6 wins on the season.

“Greg [Blanco] is a contributor on the mound and offensively,” said Coach Riggleman. Blanco is returning after a medical redshirt season.

This year’s squad also has two junior college transfers, Billy Hochradel and Brian Doll, who will be major contributors in the spring. “Doll is a standout centerfielder with an outstanding arm. Hochradel will provide quality innings as well as contribute offensively and defensively. His switch hitting ability is a great asset,” said Coach Riggleman.

Weist will be returning as the Cougars’ shortstop, Street as catcher, Nichols at first base or in the outfield, Hochradel at third base, Tyler Baker at second or third base and Doll in centerfield. “Street’s return for his senior season provides leadership and exceptional skills in the catching position,” said Coach Riggleman. Street batted .305 with 36 hits and 30 RBIs.

The overall speed of the team is a definite asset and should have an impact both on offense and defense. Weist stole 11 bases in 16 attempts and Nichols stole 10 out 12.

The pitching staff will include right-handers Ferris, Blanco, Hochradel and Alex Zeiher and left-hander Patterson.

The Cougars will begin their season in Kentucky facing Indiana Institute of Technology and Berea College in four non-league games. Other significant non-league games include those against Webber University, Warner Southern University and Southeastern University all of which are located in Florida and are part of the team’s Spring Break schedule.

[WRITER’S NOTE: ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON WWW.SAUCOUGARS.COM]