9 Innings with Coach Gaspard
12/1/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Construction at The New Joe | Battle for the Hammer
This is the ninth inning of my blog "9 Innings", which will be featured on RollTide.com. My purpose in writing this is to allow fans an inside look into the Alabama baseball program. When I thought of putting this blog out, I wanted to be sure that each installment would cover a wide range of topics, giving fans an inside look at things that only people close to the program can personally provide. I feel responsible for making sure that people involved with the program, past and present, are well-represented as we move forward together and continue to grow that Alabama baseball tradition.
The Crimson-Gray World Series was a great way to end the baseball portion of fall practice. Playing a best-of-five series, we were able to see how our guys played and reacted with the series on the line in a scenario similar to that of a real game. Overall, the starting pitchers created a good flow to the game by throwing strikes early. Our hitters had a great approach at the plate and put pressure on the defense. The Gray team ended up sweeping the series, however each game came down to one pitch, or one quality at-bat. After the World Series, we were able to conclude with the Battle for the Hammer. The "Hammer" puts each player through a series of physical events ranging from an obstacle course to personal lifting goals. As a coaching staff, we want to see these guys fight through exhaustion and stay mentally sharp despite the fatigue.
During our recent signing period, we were able to lock up an outstanding class that will be a part of the 2016-2017 Crimson Tide. We added eight high school guys and three junior college transfers, and I'm really excited about the potential impact these players can make once they arrive on campus. I believe we added a lot of depth at key positions as well as on the mound. Here is a full recap on our signing class.
This is truly a special time to be a part of the UA program with the excitement surrounding the new Sewell-Thomas Stadium. With all of the anticipation of the facility, it is only fitting to have an Alumni Baseball Celebration Event on February 6. It has been a priority for myself and my entire staff to encourage former baseball alumni, who have brought our program to where it is now, to return to The Joe! This is going to be a special event, and I am personally inviting all baseball alumni of any generation who have lettered with the Tide to come back and join us. This will be the official grand opening of the stadium before we kick off the 2016 season. Our alumni will have the first look at the new facility and most importantly, the opportunity to reconnect with former teammates.
We will start the day with an alumni batting practice for those who wish to take some cuts on the field, followed by a select group of alumni who will play our current team. The important part of the game for all our alumni is to be on the field with all the former greats in program history. By attending the event, alumni will receive both a Nike shirt and hat, and a postgame BBQ meal. Following the on-field activities, we will host a social hour and meal inside the newly constructed suite level for alumni and their guests. Alumni are welcome to bring their family members to the event. To learn more about the Alumni Celebration Event, check out Sewell-Thomas.com. Please sign up and we look forward to having you there.
I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving with family and friends. From everyone at Alabama baseball, happy holidays and Roll Tide!
