Over the last two seasons, Bradley baseball’s record is a combined 29-69. Due to its lack of success, the team is seeking widespread change.
“We’ve changed some things because, in the past, we know what hasn’t worked and what has worked,” senior pitcher Travis Lutz said.
The program needed a complete reset. Entering his 16th season, head coach Elvis Dominguez built the new roster with a specific type of player in mind.
“We’re coming off the worst season I’ve ever had as a coach in 38 years,” Dominguez said. “So we had to revamp our whole identity. I wanted more of an athletic team. I wanted more hard-nosed players. They are not necessarily the most talented guys — guys who are talented but still have something to prove. I think a lot of that was accomplished with this class.”
The Braves will undoubtedly display an influx of new talent between freshmen and transfers this season. Regarding the freshmen, Braves fans should look out for infielders Jackson Smith and CJ Trask, outfielder Dominic Anselmo and pitcher Josh Vaughn.
“We’re hoping those guys can grow up a lot quicker than most freshmen do and be able to contribute for us right away,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez also added several transfers to the team, many from junior colleges.
“Look at Cole Smith over at third base for us,” Dominguez said. “He’s just a grinder and a ballplayer. Nick Fleckenstein is another one. Wes Gringrich in center field.”
Junior infielder Beau Durbin has yet to play for a Bradley team that has met the expectations of the fans, coaches and players. However, the captain who led the team with a .358 batting average last year knows this team is different.
“We’ve pretty much reset. We have a lot of new guys, a lot of new pitchers, and a lot of new [hitters],” Durbin said. “I think we’re a much more well-balanced team this year. We got velocity guys from the pen and the starting rotation. We also have strike throwers who can come in after them and get outs when they’re needed.”
“We’re probably not going to beat you with the long ball, but we got a lot of guys who can get a job done, that don’t strike out and put the ball in play. I think we made forward strides, and we’re ready to show what we can do this year,” Durbin added.
Even with all the new talent on display, it is essential not to forget those who have returned to the team, as they will be the foundation of an improved team this season.
Among these returners are junior pitcher Brayden Marks and senior catcher Nick Hosie, who are primed for more prominent roles.
“It’s time for him to take that next step and solidify himself as a key guy in our rotation and be an inning eater,” Lutz said about Marks.
“I think Nick Hosie is set to have a really big year for us,” Durbin said. “He’s going to be our backstop catcher. He didn’t get much time last year, but he’ll need to step up for us this year to have a successful season. He’s very efficient back there but can swing it as well. I think he’s going to bring some pop to the team. He will be a middle-of-the-order bat who can slug for us and doesn’t strike out a lot.”
With the struggles of the past few years, this offseason has been all about reflection for those who remained with the program.
“I think we’re going to be a lot more of a well-balanced offense this year,” Durbin explained. “We’ve really hammered our approach. TA’s [coach Tyler Albright] instilled that into us from the start of the year. We’re going to be an approach-oriented team and an unselfish team, just focused on getting the job done.”
The Braves will start their season in Tuscaloosa against the Alabama Crimson Tide at 4 p.m. on Friday. Dominguez is excited about the big-time test to start the season and knows it can do much for his players.
“Anytime you can play a team like that, it does two things for you,” Dominguez said. “It allows you to compete at the highest level when you’re talking about going up against a highly-ranked SEC team right out of the gate. The matchup allows our guys to measure themselves and, for us as coaches, to evaluate them at a higher caliber. You’ve got to go down there and still play well, but you hope that environment prepares them for the conference tournament, postseason play and so forth.”
