PEDDIE TALKS 2017 ULM BASEBALL
Coming off a 2016 campaign where the Warhawks missed the Sun Belt Conference Tournament for the second consecutive year, Head Coach Bruce Peddie and the ULM Warhawks look to bounce back and regain their position as a conference power. The Warhawks added 13 players in the offseason, 8 of those being Junior College transfers who can have an immediate impact.
The Sun Belt Conference is one of the stronger “Mid-Major” leagues for baseball, especially now that defended National Champion Coastal Carolina has joined the Sun Belt.
Peddie on strength of SBC…
“I give a lot of credit to the Sun Belt. [Having Coastal Carolina] is certainly going to make the league tougher, but it will also make it more marketable and exciting. In 2007 we had three Sun Belt teams in the NCAA tournament, in 2008 we had four. Adding Coastal will be good for the league. You really have no off weekends.”
Even before the Warhawks get into Sun Belt play, they will face a daunting non-conference schedule, including 7 games at SEC schools. ULM also plays a series at Dallas Baptist, and a home-and-home with Louisiana Tech, two teams who made the NCAA tournament last season.
Peddie on Non-Conference…
“These kids aren’t afraid of that challenge. We aren’t either as a staff. We lost to Mississippi State last year 1-0 in the 14th inning, Arkansas was 3-1. We need to go out and beat some of those teams. That gives you that added help for an NCAA tournament bid. People don’t realize how hard is it to win a conference title, so you have to put yourself in that position. That’s part of the plan. These kids want to play those games.”
Going into the season, ULM’s most important player and leader is Anthony Herrera. Not only is Herrera a consistent batter and infielder, he is also set to be the closer for the Warhawks. Herrera will move back to shortstop this year from 2nd base.
Peddie on Herrera’s impact…
“He plays like he’s 6’3” 220. He has a huge heart, energy level, and leadership. You just don’t find that in very many guys. We’re going to use him as much as we can, and he certainly wants to be in that position.”
Finally, one of the biggest keys to success in baseball is health. The college season is fairly short, so starting the season off on the right foot health-wise is huge for the success of a season.
Peddie on health of team…
“We’ve got a few injuries, but one of our best arms did get cleared today and that’s really exciting news. We’ve got a few position players that hopefully are going to be O.K. by next week. At this point, I’d say we’re O.K. It’s common to get some guys banged up in inter-squads, but overall we’re pretty healthy.”
Following the team’s practice Friday night, ULM Baseball is hosting a Meet and Greet at 6 P.M at Warhawk Field. Coach Peddie will introduce the team and preview the season. Coaches and players will be available for autographs, and ULM fans will even be able to participate in batting practice on the field. For more information, visit ulmwarhawks.com
