“You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.” -Joe DiMaggio

Hello again everyone! We are now finally inside a week until the season opener and everyone is extra amped up. This weather has been so crazy here…we were kind of skeptical about if the games would be a go. There are clear skies for the rest of the week so that means three ball games this weekend. Friday at 1 p.m., we will open up our 2010 season at home against Villanova University.

Coach Clark has prepared a good early-season schedule to allow us to come out with an aggressive attitude to test our mental and physical approach to the 2010 season. Our Big East opponent has gotten the best of the Spartans over the past seasons. In the last two series, the match up has them winning four of the six games. In 2009, their overall record was 22-28, however they struggled in away competition with a 4 -16 record. They are a solid defensive team, with five returning players, all in the infield, with 11 returning pitchers. We will be tested by their junior right hander, Chris Pack, senior left hander Kevin Crimmel, senior right hander Brian Streilein, junior reliever, left hander Mike Francisco, and sophomore left hander Kyle Helisek. 

The two teams match up very well. The Spartans have returning players in 8 of 9 positions, including four players who hit over .300 (Juan Herrera, John Lynch, Drew Suttmiller and me).  The difference will rest in pitching, mistake free baseball, key hits, heart, desire and attitude.

Because of the mix of rain and snow that the Norfolk area received during January and February, we have not been able to practice on the field very much. But we are really kind of lucky because I know that at Villanova, there are a couple feet of snow on the ground, and they probably haven’t been outside to practice at all! But I know that none of that even matters because come Friday, they will be just as ready to play as we are.

February 19, 20, and 21 will be three good days for baseball. I am encouraging our student body, parents and alumni to support our kick-off to the season as the Spartans prepare to capitalize on home field advantage against Villanova. Go Spartans.

P.S. Shout out to Assistant Coach A.J. Corbin. A Spartan from 2001-2004, Corbin ranks in the top 10 in school history in five offensive categories.

–Brandon Hairston, #7