By: by Jason Hanes
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KENNESAW, Ga. - After a successful season last year in which they finished second in the Atlantic Sun Conference, the Kennesaw State baseball team hit the diamond on Monday afternoon for their first fall practice of the year at Stillwell Stadium.
The Black and Gold ran through the initial practice of the year under bright mid-afternoon skies as head coach Mike Sansing ran his squad through the two-hour practice session.
“Everybody is excited about getting back on the field,” said Coach Sansing. “The coaches and players are ready to work hard and get things going.”
Today’s practice was used to get the players back into training form and is also being looked upon as a time where the newcomers can get adjusted to the Kennesaw State system of practice.
“Things were a little tentative today and the pace was a little slower, but that’s what we want this week,” added Sansing. “We just the guys to focus on implementing our philosophy and getting a better understanding of how we do things, like how we take batting practice, run bases and take infield.”
The highly energetic practice began at 2 p.m. with throwing and stretching before the squad broke up into position work with infielders, outfielders, pitchers and catchers working on specific drills.
Infield and outfield work was followed by batting practice and the practice ended with base running drills while pitching coach
Kevin Erminio oversaw the pitchers as they threw in the bullpen.
“We look good today,” said infielder
Tyler Stubblefield, who is back for his senior season after being drafted by the Atlanta Braves last year. “We have a lot of freshman on this year’s team and so far it seems like they all have good attitudes. We’re getting along well and working hard so good things should follow.”
The Owls will practice in the afternoon for the remainder of the week before beginning scrimmages towards the end of next week. The fall season concludes with the Black and Gold World Series, a best of three split squad series in mid-October.
