After a record-breaking year last season, WVU baseball looks to improve even more with first-year head coach Steve Sabins.
Sabins, who was under head coach Randy Mazey last season, knows this team and this university very well. He believes if they can remain healthy, they could find themselves back in the regional round of the tournament this year.
When asked about the health of his team, Sabins kept it simple. “This is one of the healthiest we have been going into a season,” he said.
The Mountaineers will be without Maxx Yehl, who underwent Tommy John surgery in the offseason. Yehl was a key contributor to the team that made it to the Super Regionals last season. The other notable injury is Kyle West, who was hit by a pitch in practice earlier this week. Sabins believes he should return at some point this week.
When asked about the new indoor practice facility, Sabins had a big smile on his face. The 8,200-foot structure, called the Biomechanics and Performance Center, will be the team’s new training and performance evaluation center. The facility will feature technology found in MLB practice facilities and select college facilities across the country.
“The Biomechanics and Performance Center (BPC) will be ready to roll on March 1st. They will give us the keys to that joint on February 17th. There are some finishing touches with technology that need to take place,” said Sabins. “It probably will not help a ton when it comes to the human performance piece; but when it is raining and snowing, to have a facility where you are covered is very beneficial,” he added.
The team will kick their season off on Feb. 14 in Jacksonville, where they will have four games in three days. Sabins hopes to match, or even exceed expectations created by Randy Mazey last season.
