https://sunbeltsports.org/news/2019/1/3 ... -poll.aspx

I know we all hope that things continue to improve and that Coach Smith and company out perform this prediction. However, based on recent performances I don't think its unreasonable for the league's coaches to put us last in the East (and overall).

No real surprise here. Our baseball and softball teams have both finished dead last ever year we've been in the Sun Belt. The only way to go is up.

At least we can't fall too short of expectations...

Is our talent getting better in both sports?

When Kermit was hired I shared with him my thought that baseball was the conference's toughest sport to compete in. That hasn't changed.I'm looking for improvement year to year [for the most part] , and certainly through the season.

So, for those who know the program better than I do, what are the chances that App exceeds expectations and competes this year? Kermit has a history of building winners. Is there a reasonable hope for improvement this year?

Stonewall wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 30, 2019 1:43 pm

When Kermit was hired I shared with him my thought that baseball was the conference's toughest sport to compete in. That hasn't changed.I'm looking for improvement year to year [for the most part] , and certainly through the season.

I slightly disagree. Softball is harder because of our facilities compared to the rest of the league, plus the disadvantages of playing on real grass and turf in our climate compared to synthetic stuff for baseball (not as many practice days).

Currently, App Baseball is the only team in the Belt that does not award every scholarship that is allowed. Budget for baseball is significantly lower than other schools in the conference (50k+). We have the right coach. Funding would definitely help the situation.

T-Dog wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 30, 2019 2:14 pm

Stonewall wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 30, 2019 1:43 pm

When Kermit was hired I shared with him my thought that baseball was the conference's toughest sport to compete in. That hasn't changed.I'm looking for improvement year to year [for the most part] , and certainly through the season.

I slightly disagree. Softball is harder because of our facilities compared to the rest of the league, plus the disadvantages of playing on real grass and turf in our climate compared to synthetic stuff for baseball (not as many practice days).

You might be right, I'm more familiar with Sunbelt baseball , actually prior to our entry .

When I was in school I was at a game talking to this good old boy local. I guess he was in his 60's or thereabouts. He told me then that Appalachian would never be a power in baseball for one reason---the weather in Boone.

Arsenal App wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 30, 2019 4:17 pm

When I was in school I was at a game talking to this good old boy local. I guess he was in his 60's or thereabouts. He told me then that Appalachian would never be a power in baseball for one reason---the weather in Boone.

I mean, it makes sense. Playing baseball in the cold sucks. If I was a high school prospect and had offers from, say, Georgia Southern or Appalachian and I had no ties to either school it obviously makes sense to go play in the warmer weather. There are numerous schools you can replace Georgia Southern with in that analogy. UNCW, CofC, UNCC, ECU, Furman, Wofford, etc. You really couldn't blame any player for choosing any of those schools over App.

Then again, Western had a pretty great baseball program despite being stuck in the mountains. It's not impossible, but I definitely agree that baseball is probably the hardest sport to build a winner in at App.

With regard to weather; both the University of Maine and Stony Brook have been in the College World Series in recent years. With the proper support and the right coach it can be done. I'm not sure about the level of support, but I think we have the right coach.

The weather certainly makes it more difficult. Is it impossible? Absolutely not. We HAVE had some good teams, and it was because we had the right mix of players and a great coach. I believe we now have the coach part down, again, and I hope we're getting that mix of players.

On another note, does anyone know if the Dugout Club is still a thing?

Weather pobably does impact our baseball, but not as much as it impacts our golf.

I understand the impact Boone weather has on baseball but we've taken steps in recent years with the field turf and indoor practice facility. I know it's an obstacle but I don't think it's insurmountable.

Weather didn't seem to be an issue during Chris Pollard's time.

WataugaMan you are correct. You can also include teams during the time of Jim Morris and Frank Lovrich. Both had HOF careers coaching baseball at App.

Speaking of Golf , it could be a big year with a real shot at individual medalist in the conference championship.

Yosef's Musket wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 30, 2019 2:20 pm

Currently, App Baseball is the only team in the Belt that does not award every scholarship that is allowed. Budget for baseball is significantly lower than other schools in the conference (50k+). We have the right coach. Funding would definitely help the situation.

That’s disheartening to learn. I know some may vehemently disagree, and i understand the legal issues surrounding it, but if it all possible i would like to see us drop a few sports. I just think for the money we have to work with we are spread too thin.