New Faces Take the Field for KWU Baseball

KWU baseball hosts freshman-sophomore day at Dean Evans

Kansas Wesleyan University baseball hosted its freshman-sophomore day Sept. 20 at Dean Evans Stadium, giving younger players an opportunity to compete and families a chance to watch.

The event brought together freshmen and returning players as the team began its fall competition. Sophomores also had opportunities to take on leadership roles while supporting their younger teammates.

Freshmen get first collegiate experience

For the freshmen, the games provided an early opportunity to compete at the collegiate level and experience playing in front of family and teammates.

The event also gave families a chance to watch the beginning of their players’ collegiate baseball careers.

Sophomore Zack Nelson said he enjoyed competing with his teammates and helping the freshmen adjust to the games.

“It was super fun to go out and compete with the guys to start the fall,” Nelson said. “You could see some nerves with the freshman, which is to be expected, but I had a lot of fun being able to step up as a leader in that sense.”

Gold Team coming together as a team

Upperclassmen step into leadership

Returning players played different roles throughout the day, with some competing on the field and others helping with the event.

Davin Hinote, an upperclassman who worked as an umpire, said the event was a good opportunity for younger players and their families.

“I think it’s really cool, feel like it’s good exposure for the younger guys and their families get to watch their first collegiate games,” Hinote said.

Hinote said his work as an umpire went smoothly and there were no problems involving players or parents.

Leadership beyond the field

Cohan and Chris working tickets

Not every player was able to participate in the games. Sophomore Robert Sandoval watched from the sidelines while dealing with an injury.

Sandoval said he continued to support his teammates and viewed that support as another way to provide leadership.

“It was fun, I couldn’t play due to an injury but just seeing my teammates ball out and have fun, even though I was hurt I was still my teammates biggest fan and hyping them up and still being a leader even though I wasn’t on the field,” Sandoval said.

The event gave freshmen an opportunity to begin their collegiate experience while allowing returning players to compete, support teammates and take on leadership responsibilities.

Raw Facts/Notes/Outline

• Event: KWU baseball freshman-sophomore day
• Date: Sept. 20
• Location: Dean Evans Stadium
• Freshmen: Competed and experienced their first collegiate games
• Zack Nelson: Sophomore who played; discussed freshmen nerves and leadership
• Davin Hinote: Upperclassman who worked as an umpire; discussed exposure for freshmen and families
• Robert Sandoval: Sophomore spectator who could not play because of an injury; supported teammates from the sidelines
• Main themes: Freshman experience, sophomore leadership, family involvement and team support

Interested in learning more about the KWU baseball team? View the full roster and get to know the players competing this season: click here

If interested in other events that happened at KWU this past weekend: Click Here