The UNCW baseball team opened up its 2010 season last weekend with a 2-1 series win over Jacksonville University, a NCAA tournament qualifier in 2009. The Seahawks won the first two games 6-3 and 8-5 before losing in the finale 4-3. This season the Diamond Hawks were picked to finish second in the Colonial Athletic Association behind James Madison University in the annual coaches poll. The Seahawks got two first place votes but still fell seven short of JMU's 99 points.
The Seahawks boast the winningest program in CAA's history. A perennial powerhouse, the team has not had a losing season in over a decade dating back to 1998. However, it seems the club still is looking for more respect and to be viewed as a top tier baseball program. Head coach Mark Scalf returns all 14 pitchers and 8 position players to a club that finished third in the CAA last season with a second place finish in the CAA tournament.
"We're excited about the upcoming season," said Scalf. "We have a veteran ball club that is hungry to get back to the NCAA tournament. Last year we gained a lot of experience and we'll use that to our advantage."
The Seahawks are led by All-CAA preseason pick Cody Stanley. Stanley, a junior catcher from Clinton, N.C. is the catalyst for the team's offensive attack. He is coming off a tremendous summer where he starred in the Cape Cod League and earned All-Star honors. Last season in his sophomore campaign he finished in the top 3 in every Seahawks offensive category. Stanley said he is looking forward to this season and thinks that the Seahawks' No. 2 preseason ranking is a misguided prediction.
"Picked second?" Stanley said condescendingly. "Na, we should be picked first. We could be in Omaha; there is no doubt about it. On paper, we are the team to beat. All we have to do is go out there and show it to everybody."
Helping Stanley are five seniors, fellow All-CAA preseason pick DH Robbie Monday, 2B Ben Thielsen, SS Mike Rooney, 3B Matt Holt, and OF Grayson Evans. This experienced lineup is rounded out by outfielders Thomas Pope and Alex Hill, who are entering their sophomore and junior seasons respectively.
The pitching staff is incredibly deep this season and returns every pitcher from last year including 9 pitchers who made at least one start last season. This group looks to rebound from last season where the team posted a disappointing team E.R.A of 5.36. Maryland native Daniel Cropper looks to be the number 1 pitcher and improve on his team best 5 wins from last season. Joining Cropper in the starting rotation is senior Seth Frankoff, and juniors Cam Roth and Justin Bradley. The Seahawks look to have the deepest bullpen in years. Lefty Steven Davis tied Cropper with 5 wins last season and is a crafty pitcher who will be counted on a lot this season. Jesse Haney and Bryan Booth will also be leaned upon this season to solidify the backend of the bullpen and shut the door in the ninth inning. The bullpen also includes spot starters Stephen Harrold, Tyler McSwain, and Tyler Smith.
Overall, the Seahawks look to be a formidable opponent and should yet again have another successful season. However, having a winning season is no longer good enough for this team, and the Seahawks are looking to make a strong run in the postseason.
"The team has a lot of potential this year, and they have a great comradery. Leadership for the team will be important for them to go deep in the postseason," says Mike Lechich, a junior student and avid UNCW baseball fan.
After every practice and game, the team goes in for a huddle and leaves saying one word, "Omaha." Omaha is the destination for the College World Series and the Seahawks are trying to become the first team in school history to make it there.
Players:
Catcher: Cody Stanley (Clinton, N.C) .332, 12 HRs, 56 RBIs, 10 SBs-Offensive MVP of last year's team and team leader. All-CAA pick.
First Base: Andrew Cain (Grenville, N.C) .319, 1 HR, 19 RBIs, 8 SBs-Looks to improve on strong freshmen campaign. Switches from outfield to first base.Designated Hitter/First Base: Robbie Monday (Elkin, N.C) .277, 12 HRs, 38 RBIs-Tied for team lead in HRs last season. Power Hitter and All-CAA pick.
Second Base: Ben Thielsan (Kirkland, WA) .309, 38 Runs, 7 SBs-Scrappy second baseman who started all 54 games last year. Strong defender.
Shortstop: Mike Rooney (Cary, N.C) .341, 2 HRs, 43 RBIs, 5 SBs -Led team in Batting Avg. last season. Projected to hit leadoff.
Third Base: Matt Holt (Cary, N.C) .296, 14 2Bs, 25 RBIs, 7 SBs-Looks to carry over strong finish where he hit .342 over final 23 games.
Center field: Thomas Pope (Clinton, N.C) .270, 7 RBIs, 9 SBs-Speedy outfielder and solid defender.
Right Field: Alex Hill (Charlotte, N.C) .278, 1 HR, 15 RBIs-Looking to rebound from subpar sophomore season. Hits for average.
Left Field: Grayson Evans (Fuquay-Varina, N.C) .314, 21 2Bs, 47 RBIs-Great batter and led team in Doubles last season and was second in RBIs
Impact freshmen: Michael Bass (Fairmont, N.C)-Wendy's High School Heisman National Award Finalist. Southeastern conference player of the year.
Starting Pitcher: Seth Frankoff (Apex, N.C) 3-5, 5.76 E.R.A, 52 Ks-Experienced Senior who is weekend starter. Hopes to cut down on HRs given up.
Starting Pitcher: Cameron Roth (Poquoson, VA) 1-3, 7.39 E.R.A, 17 Ks-Looks to regain freshmen form. Last season was plagued by arm tendinitis.
Starting Pitcher: Daniel Cropper (Snow Hill, MD) 5-2, 5.46 E.R.A, 53 Ks-Team leader and looks to be the top man in the rotation.
Starting Pitcher: Justin Bradley (Carolina Beach, N.C) 3-3, 6.80 E.R.A, 31 Ks-Had strong summer campaign and is ranked as a top major league prospect.
Relief Pitcher: Stephen Harrold (Raleigh, N.C) 4-1, 5.08 E.R.A, 36 Ks-Earned Cape Cod League All-Star honors over summer. Boasts a low 90s fastball.
Relief Pitcher: Jesse Haney (Chesterfield, VA) 2-4, 6.70 E.R.A, 19 Ks-Major league arm. Looks to be spot starter and a heavily used arm out of the bullpen.
Relief Pitcher: Bryan Booth (Cary, N.C) 37 Games, 3.31 E.R.A, 6 SVs-Had team lead with 6 saves and 37 appearances.
