The ETSU baseball team and head coach Tony Skole are anxious to start the 2005 season.
Ever since they were knocked out of the Southern Conference Tournament by Georgia Southern last May, they have been counting the days until Feb. 18.
Last year’s team won 13 more games than the 2003 team, but this year a 28-30 overall record just won’t cut it.
The Bucs return all but three players, the top returnee being senior All-American Caleb Moore.
Moore led the nation in batting average, hitting an amazing .455, and he also was top in the land in doubles with 31.
Blake Church will be back at first base, and he is looking to build on his .353 batting average and 53-RBI season. Speedster Shane Byrne will start in right field for the Bucs.
Last year, the sophomore was a terror on the base paths stealing 13 times and only being caught four. Overall, the team returns four .300 plus hitters and seven 20-plus RBI men.
“This is the most talented group I’ve ever had since I’ve been at ETSU,” Skole said. “It’s just a great group of athletes.”
This season the talent spreads farther than the nine spots on the field because the team has 29 players on it and anyone is capable of filling in.
“We actually have more than nine guys that could start for us, so we are going to have some talented guys on our bench,” Skole said. “It makes my job tough, but it’s a nice luxury to have.”
Although the offense might be one of the best this school has ever seen, the defense will be solid at every position as well. Moore will be behind the plate, and Church is at first.
A key addition at second is University of Tennessee transfer Nick Crowe, who hit .301 for the Vols in 2004. The shortstop and third-base positions are still being contested.
Josiah Glafenhein and transfer Chuck Hargis will compete to see who will replace All-SoCon shortstop Andy Howdeshell.
At third base, sophomore Mike Giroud, who has returned to the team after redshirting, will challenge last year’s starter Greg Roberts.
The outfield is loaded with quickness and arm strength with Stephen Douglas in left, Matt Traylor in center, and Byrne in right.
The Bucs did lose their center fielder Tim Turner, but Traylor should have no trouble making the transition from left to center. ETSU’s recruiting class consists of six freshmen and three junior college transfers, and these newcomers will see plenty of action throughout the season.
The major concern for this ETSU team will be pitching because of the losses of Turner and Josh Kite, who both are in the minor leagues.
Jeremy Hall will be the returning ace and Steven Calicutt will be a starter as well.
Tusculum transfer Brian Lovett has been impressive in the off-season and should be a No. 2 or 3 starter in the rotation.
“Our bullpen is probably our biggest question mark,” Skole said. “We have some young, talented arms and those guys are really going to have to step up for us.”
All of the components for a breakout season are in place, and Skole is very aware of what his team is capable of doing.
“This year our goals, our sights, and our expectations are higher,” Skole said. “I think if we play well and we get better, we’ll have a chance to contend for a conference championship.”
Opening day will be on Friday, Feb. 18 at Cardinal Park in Johnson City against Niagara. The first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m.

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