In one word, senior business administration major and outfielder for the NSU baseball team Brooks Fleming said what the NSU community can expect from the team this year is: wins.
And early into the season, after starting 3-0, he’s right.
This season’s team consists of a mix of young and experienced players, who will look to finish higher than sixth in the Sunshine State Conference, as they did last season. Head Coach Greg Brown is excited about his team’s potential for the 2014 season and what can be expected from his players.
“It’s a young team that’s full of energy and plays the game hard,” said Brown. “This team is prepared and trained very well. I promise you this team is going to improve as the season goes.”
The newcomers to the baseball team, freshmen and transfers, will play a pivotal role, in hopes of increasing the team’s wins this season from last.
The list of notable transfers includes Geoff Jimenez from Florida Atlantic in centerfield, Alex Fernandez from the University of Miami at first base and pitching, and Alvin Swoope from Florida State University, who will be playing shortstop.
According to Brown, the ace of the pitching staff is going to be Dillion Frye, a transfer from North Carolina State. Freshmen Matt Hardy and Andres Visbal are also going to impact the roster this season.
Brown had nothing but praise for these notable newcomers and Fleming agreed on the new team members’ impact.
“On the pitching staff, Frye is going to be a huge help for us,” said Fleming. “Hitting and infield-wise, Visbal is a switch-hitter and he’s got a lot of pop and I’m expecting big things from him.”
The returning starters will have to lead the rest of the team by example.
“Coming back from injury will be Blake Boyd; he has always been our team captain and leader. Angel Navarro, who really came on last year as a sophomore [returned],” said Brown. “Brooks Fleming has returned. Last year he had more of a role-playing role, but he has solidified himself as a solid guy for us.”
Having a senior leader and a head coach be on the same page, like Brown and Fleming, is important for a team to reach its goals. Brown is glad to have a player like Fleming on his team.
“Personally, I look to be a good leader on this team and set a good example for all of the young guys on how to do things,” said Fleming. “I am more of an example guy but if the situation calls for it, I can be vocal and let the team know how I feel and how to do things.”
Brown is thrilled to see one of his senior leaders step up and take control of situations with the team.
“That’s [Fleming’s] modus operandi. He is just an awesome worker, and he really has a great link from the staff to the players and leading them the way that is to my liking,” said Brown.
It is this cocktail of new and veteran players that will help, not only Brown but also the rest of the team, realize their potential. There is no room for complacency on Brown’s team, because even the team’s overall strengths can always be enhanced in his eyes. After finishing the past three seasons with more than 30 wins, Brown is still looking to improve.
“We are really focused on our defense, pitching and running the bases,” said Brown, “Speed and defense are definitely our strengths. We have a good mix of experience, youth and overall athleticism. Defense was a big focus when recruiting, and bringing guys in that really grind the game out and keep us in games.”
The SSC is a tough conference and both Brown and the Sharks know they will need to give their all if they are to be effective this season.
“We are looking for consistency throughout the conference season,” Brown said. “I think the way we are built, on the mound and defensively, we are going to be in every game and we will have the opportunity to win a lot of series.”
The passion, the desire and the will are all there for the players and staff of the NSU baseball team, and, hopefully, their play on the field reflects all the hard work and dedication they put into the sport they love.
