Baseball team ready to get season started this weekend

The Eastern Florida State College baseball team is in camp preparing for the new season which begins this weekend in the Kickoff Classic in Auburndale.

New head coach Steven Brown is excited about what he has seen from the team in practice.

"There is always so much energy that first week of camp, guys are back on campus and ready to go," Brown said. "There is a lot of energy and a lot of moving parts, but the pitchers are throwing strikes and hitters are getting the bat to the ball, we are ready to go!"

The baseball team has a strong mix of returning players along with some transfers and freshmen that coach Brown is hoping can get off to a fast start.  

"We have a lot of games scheduled and a very tough schedule to start that leads into a tough conference schedule so if we can get the ball rolling early with some wins I am going to be very excited about what this group can do," Brown said. "Carlos (Cordero) is a game changer, plays the game with such passion. Jesus (Santana) has had a really good fall and is swinging the bat well, so I am excited to watch him. Drew Cavanaugh is showing the leadership a catcher needs and he just has to continue that throughout the season."

On the mound the Titans have some experienced arms coming back this season led by second team all-conference pitcher KC Swords who had a 3.69 ERA and a 10.80 strikeout per nine average in 31 2/3 innings. After a year of rehabilitating, Jackson Woodward is working his way back to the mound as well after a dominating start to the 2019-20 season before COVID ended the season.

The addition of Brian Walters, who coach Brown said has 'electric stuff' and other freshmen and transfers have made the Titans deep heading into the season.

"I truly believe that we have guys in every role, starters, relievers and late inning guys. Not only that will come in and throw strikes but can compete in their roles," Brown said. "We have a lot of unique arm angles that we can attack with so that is going to be exciting to watch." 

The arms will be tested early as the Titans will play Chipola, No. 16 Santa Fe College and Seminole State College.

After this weekend the Titans will play the home opener on Feb. 1 against Polk State College and then host College of Central Florida on Feb. 2.

So, the 12 sophomores returning will need to be leaders early to help the young guys prepare for some tough tests to begin the season. 

"Those guys have to be the leaders because they have been there and done it. They have bought in to the style of baseball we are trying to do here and I am excited to watch the sophomores play well this season," Brown said. "Game 1 we face a perennial power in Chipola and then No 16 in the country in Santa Fe. But I like that with a schedule, I want to play and compete against the best teams in the country. It will challenge our guys, but I really think our guys are ready for that challenge." 

Games at Bruce Bochy Field on the Melbourne campus are free to fans.