By Stacey Ragin
FAMU Sports Information
After a 31-21 season last year, losing only 7 of their 26
home games, and 5 of their 24 conference games, the Florida A&M University
Rattler baseball team is hitting the field once again, looking to dominate in
the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Although many of the same players who contributed to the
Rattlers’ most wins since 2003 are returning to bat, pitch or catch this
season, the absence of one major player will be felt.
“You hate to lose a player like Jacky… He’s a great guy, a
great leader on this team, and it’s a responsibility definitely… A big pair of
shoes to fill… It’s all about getting out here and being a team player and
filling the role that the team needs,” junior first baseman Brian Davis, who is
expected to fill the void left from Miles Jr.’s injury said.
Despite the fact that the Rattlers will be without Miles
Jr., Head Coach Jamey Shouppe is still enthusiastic about the upcoming season
that officially begins on Friday.
“We’re just excited… We feel like we’re going to be pretty
good offensively, we feel like we’ve got a chance pitching-wise… Everybody’s
got a chance this time of year, that’s the beauty of baseball… We’re excited to
get Friday here and get going,” Shouppe said.
And he isn’t the only one eager to get going on the diamond,
as the team gears up to finally face players who wear different color jerseys
than they do.
“I plan to help just executing every pitch and going out
getting the ball for my teammates… I’ve been looking forward to it since last
year ended, so I’ve been working everyday just to get back on track,” junior
pitcher Ryan Anderson said.
Fans will be able to cheer the Rattlers on at home, with 12
of the first 13 games of the season being held at FAMU’s own Moore-Kittles
baseball field. The first of a three game, non-conference, match up against the
Wofford Terriers will begin at 4:00 p.m. on today, Friday.