9 Innings with Coach Gaspard
9/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Stadium Sod Installation | Stadium Construction | First Day of Batting Practice
This is the eighth 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.
Our freshmen are beginning to understand the true meaning of being a part of the athletic program at UA. They not only began their work in the weight room and in the cages, but also inside the classroom. In their initial semester as a student-athlete, we had four total players earn a 4.0 during the summer term. I want to congratulate Kyle Cameron, Davis Vainer, Alex Webb and Gene Wood on all putting together a perfect GPA this summer.
Many of the returning guys spent their time away from campus playing in collegiate summer leagues. We had 15 players spread across the country for the summer circuit in four separate leagues, including the Cotton States, Texas, Florida and Cape Cod leagues. Everyone saw some success, built upon their progress from the spring and are returning with valuable experience under their belt. We had three guys who earned national recognition, including Tyler Adams, Tyler McMurray and Chance Vincent. All three were all named to Baseball America's Collegiate Summer League Prospect Lists.
Adams finished his summer in the Texas League with 19 appearances across 24 total innings. During that time he recorded a team-high eight saves and finished with a 1.87 ERA and 37 strikeouts. His standout performance earned him a spot on the North Team for the TCL All-Star Game, where he collected the save by night's end. His efforts helped him to finish ranked as the eight-best prospect in the Texas League. Our coaching staff is excited to see that on the mound this year from Tyler
Vincent also played in the TCL for 25 games, but made the most of his shortened time with the Acadiana Cane Cutters, batting .394 with eight extra-base hits, 18 RBI and 18 runs scored. Chance finished his summer on a 19-game hitting streak that saw him put together a .493 average and notch 13 multi-hit games. His efforts earned him the distinction of the fifth-rated prospect in the TCL, and we're excited to see him back after his season was cut short last year following his shoulder injury at Auburn.
McMurray was slotted as the 10th-best prospect after his play in the Florida League where he put together a 1-1 record and a 2.11 ERA in his 15 relief outings. He will return for his sophomore season this year, and he provides us a lot of depth for the pitching staff.
Now that all the players - new and old - have begun work together, I see a lot of potential. Lance Ancar (our strength coach) has set a high standard in the weight room with our guys, and they have really responded with some great workouts. Last week, we were able to get on the field for the first time since they began work on the field, and it is impressive out there. Every part of the new playing surface is complete and looks pristine.
We enjoyed blue skies and sun on that first day, but the weather wasn't the only thing impressive. Our player's work in the cages showed on Thursday, and it was impressive to watch them swing the bat for the first time on the field. The ball is really going to fly in the new park and we want all our fans inside The New Joe help us make this place special in the Spring! The Right Field Ragers better be on alert, because a lot of balls are going to fly their way this season.
On Tuesday, we will kick off the official start to fall practice. Our staff expects to see personal improvement from each player one day at a time. The fall season is key to implementing some of the fundamental building blocks for the new 2016 season, and we're ready to get to work.
Throughout the next few months, we will have some open scrimmages as well as a team autograph signing on the Quad prior to the Arkansas football game on October 10. We encourage everyone to come out for our fall events and look forward to meeting with the fans. Please be sure to check back on RollTide.com for more information on the fall schedule and the stadium progress, as we welcome you to be a part of this exciting time in Alabama baseball history. Roll Tide!
