The SUNY Cortland Club Baseball team is preparing for its first game of the spring season, which will take place this Friday against Oneonta at the Gutchess Sports Complex in Cortland. After spending the past few weeks getting back into practice and building chemistry, the team is ready to finally return to game action.
The matchup will be the first opportunity for the team to see how their preparation during the early part of the semester translates onto the field. With players returning from last season along with some new additions to the roster, the team has been working on getting back into rhythm after the offseason.
Outfielder and pitcher Joe Hanson said the team is excited to get the season started and see how everything comes together in a real game situation.
“We’ve been looking forward to this for a while,” Hanson said. “Practices have been going well and everyone is ready to finally get out there and play another team.”
According to Hanson, the early practices have focused on getting back into baseball shape and making sure the team is comfortable playing together again. After time away from the field during winter break, the team used the start of the semester to rebuild their timing and fundamentals.
“A lot of it has just been getting our timing back and working on the little things,” Hanson said. “Once you start seeing live pitching and playing real games again, everything starts to come back.”
The upcoming game against Oneonta will give the team a chance to evaluate where they stand early in the season. While the first game can always come with some nerves, Hanson believes the team is prepared and confident heading into the matchup.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Hanson said. “We have a lot of talent and guys who have played together before, so I feel good about how we’re going to compete.”
Playing the game locally at the Gutchess Sports Complex also gives the team a comfortable setting to begin the season. With players eager to start competing again, the focus is now on putting their preparation into action.
As Friday approaches, the SUNY Cortland Club Baseball team is hoping to start the season strong and set the tone for the rest of the spring schedule. For many players, simply getting back onto the field for a real game is something they have been waiting for since the offseason began.