The season has officially begun for Southern Miss Golden Eagles baseball. With games already on the schedule, the team is navigating the early part of the year, adjusting to the challenges of competition and preparing for what promises to be an exciting season.
Baseberg is back, and the Golden Eagles are ready to make their mark again. Senior pitcher Colby Allen expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, heading into the season.
“We kind of do as much simulating as the game as we can,” Allen said. “And I mean, we‘ve got a lot of reps. I feel like with this turf field, kind of being how it is, having some good weather for the most part, it kind of gives us an extra edge. And yeah, we‘ve had a lot of reps, and we‘re ready.”
The Golden Eagles are entering the season with confidence, experience and a clear sense of purpose. Head Coach Christian Ostrander spoke about the balance of talent on the roster and what fans can expect.
“Twenty-three turners we have in the lineup. We have some good, experienced guys who have gotten several collegiate at-bats at this level,” he said. “We’ve got some pitchers that have thrown significant, important innings at this level. Then we also have a really nice group of young players, 12 freshmen that we’re really excited about, and then you scatter a couple of transfer guys in there. So, we just really like the complex of our team. It’s balanced in the fact that you have some age with experience and youth with excitement, ready to get their feet wet.”
Although the offseason may have seemed quiet to the outside world, Coach Ostrander emphasized that work never stopped behind the scenes. Every practice was an opportunity to refine skills, address small details, and build team chemistry that will carry into game situations.
“As a team, getting that chemistry built, getting those sets on early, is what will lead us into the season,” Ostrander said.
As the Golden Eagles embark on their Sunbelt Conference campaign, the focus remains simple: one game at a time.
“You know, just going out there and taking it one game at a time. We’ve got a great schedule, and that approach is necessary,” Ostrander said.
The Golden Eagles will take their 3-1 record to the Round Rock Classic this weekend in Round Rock, Texas, where they will play Purdue (2 p.m. Friday), Oregon State (5 p.m. Saturday) and Baylor (3 p.m. Sunday).
