If you look out the window, the weather doesn't seem conducive to playing baseball, but University of Memphis baseball coach Daron Schoenrock knows that the season will begin soon.
"We've been working out with weights and concentrating on hitting," he said. "We're ready to get out and practice, though, since the season is only a month away."
This year's team will have a new look and will represent the first full recruiting class for this coaching staff. Schoenrock said one of the biggest concerns from last year's team was pitching depth, which was addressed with recruiting.
"We have 15 new pitchers this year to work with and add to the arms we had returning," he said. "If you look at last year's team we were short-handed and we could have used some more options."
Along with 11 incoming freshmen, there are 10 other new players including seven junior college players and three Division I transfers. Schoenrock said he expects these players will contribute immediately and add depth to every area of the team. Having the extra players will allow more opportunities for pinch-hitting and give the team a more complete game.
Senior infielder and team co-captain Jordan Tolliver is excited about this season.
"The talent level on this team is higher than on any other I have played on," he said. "I really think we are going to surprise a lot of folks once the season gets going."
Like every other athletic team on campus, the baseball team is adjusting to the newly revamped Conference USA. New members Rice and UCF have had strong baseball programs over the last few years and are bolstering a conference that still includes successful programs like Houston, Southern Miss and Tulane.
The new conference is expected to prove challenging for the Tigers, but the players and coaches are ready.
Senior catcher and team co-captain Cory Barton isn't fazed by the success that the new conference members have had, and he feels it will only help make the Tigers better.
"Sure it's going to be tough, but it will only make us work harder preparing for the challenge," he said. "Coach 'Rock' and the staff know what they are doing, and our team is improving daily."
The first game of the season will be against Ohio University on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at Nat Buring Stadium.
The Bullpen Club is sponsoring a "Meet the Tigers" banquet the night before the game to give family, friends and supporters a chance to mingle with the team and coaches. Former Kentucky baseball coach Keith Madison will be the keynote speaker at the event.
Schoenrock is looking forward to the banquet, and he hopes it will become an annual event.
"It's a great way to kick off the season, and coach Madison is sure to deliver a fine message to everyone," he said. "We wanted to have the opportunity to thank our families and supporters for their help."
