9 Innings with Coach Gaspard
5/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Sewell-Thomas Stadium Construction This is the fifth 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.
What a weekend. We swept the Tigers in Auburn for the first time in 30-plus years, and it couldn't have come at a better time. In every game we had to battle for a victory, and our guys showed a lot of heart, determination and want-to in each game. Our guys had a confidence and played to their abilities to put together three clean, solid games. With those wins, we've taken five in a row now moving into our midweek game.
Driving by the structure, fans can see what we're seeing -- major progress. Most of the main level of the structure has gone up and the second tier for suites and the pressbox is starting to take shape. Continuing upwards, much of the steel lighting framework is in place and the surrounding lights will soon be added.
Once you take a step inside, you can really start to imagine what the end result will look like. I walked through this past week with the builders and it's looking amazing. The main concourse is spacious and will provide plenty of room for fans to walk around once the gates are officially opened. Heading out towards the street, almost all of our entrance wells are up and we're starting to truly see what we have ahead of us. I am impressed with the work our construction company has done thus far, and each road trip brings us home to a new portrait of progress that adds to the anticipation.
Our community service began early this year with Project Blessings. The team went to help an elderly lady with much-needed renovations to her house. We did everything from painting the inside and outside of the house to landscaping the yard and pressure washing the outdoor siding. I know the homeowner was very grateful for our help, and seeing the look on her face when we were done was special.
Next, the guys welcomed home some local Tuscaloosa Korean War veterans at the BamaAir airport. These men served our country and deserved a proper welcoming after their trip to Washington D.C., where they were honored for their war efforts. The team greeted the veterans with handshakes and `thank yous' and then helped them unload their luggage before the former servicemen headed home.
For Halloween this year, the team participated once again in the Athletics Department's annual Halloween Extravaganza. The event provides trick-or-treating along with fun mini-games for the kids in the community. It affords student-athletes at the University the opportunity to interact with the Tuscaloosa youth and give them a Halloween experience they will never forget. All the parents with the children were complementary of our team and the way our players made each child feel special. To get those kinds of compliments reminds me all the time of the kind of impact our guys can have on others.
Before everyone headed home for the holidays, we had one last party to attend -- our annual visit to Sprayberry Elementary. The school is a special needs center that the Alabama baseball team has visited each year for an annual Christmas party. We served snacks, assisted in the hanging of the ornaments and even sang Christmas carols with the students. It was a great way to head into the holiday season, and I know it made a lot of our guys leave with a greater appreciation for all that they can do to make someone's day.
I want to say that coaching this group of guys this season has been an honor. This is a special group of baseball players that understands the importance of making a difference in their community and with these people. They work hard in the community and provide positive role models to each and every person they interact with. These guys are special, not only for their play on the field but also for what they do off the diamond.
Georgie Salem topped the spring grade-point average for the team, collecting a 4.0 overall this semester to be named to the President's List. We also had Zack Coker, Oczypok, Taylor Poe and J.C. Wilhite all earn Dean's list recognition for their efforts in the classroom. It is always good to know that our players are dedicating themselves to work on and off the field.
Heading into this final three-game series with Vanderbilt, I want to ask you -- the fans -- to come out and join us at The Met. Our guys are playing at an extremely high level right now and we're making that final push here at the end of the season. We appreciate all your support, look forward to seeing you this weekend and Roll Tide!
