By JEFF OLSON
Special to The Gazette
Spring is nearly here and that means baseball season.
Since the weather has been more wintry here, it is probably a good thing that the UW-Stevens Point baseball team, last year's Wisconsin Intercollegiate Association Conference Tri-Champions will be heading down to Florida to open up their spring training with a doubleheader against Bethel, Minn., Saturday, March 17 in Fort Myers, Fla.
Last year the Pointers had a good year finishing with a record of 28-11 overall and 10-4 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and defeating UW-Oshkosh in the first round of the postseason tournament. However, they lost to UW-La Crosse in the second round.
Second-year head coach Brian Nelson expects big things this year from his team. "This is the most talented team that we've had," said Nelson. "I have big expectations for this year." As well he should, since six seniors are on the squad this year, and the team will gain a new addition.
The new addition is junior infielder Paul Molitor from Reedsburg, who will see most of his playing time at third base and batting cleanup for the ball club. "We're expecting big stuff from him," said Nelson.
Also returning to the squad, are two pitchers who had a stellar year for the baseball team last year. Senior Troy Bielmier from Wautoma, went 6-1 last year and had an earned run average of 1.19. Also, Junior Bill Verbrick, from Appleton, had a record of 5 wins and 3 losses and a 4.12 earned run average. Both pitchers will play and they are expected to come up with some big wins again this year. But, overall, everybody is going to have to play well for this ball club to succeed. "They all have to step up this year. They're all good ballplayers," said Nelson.
As for goals this year Nelson, just wants to take it one game at a time and see where things go from there. "First off, we just want to have a successful spring trip," said Nelson. "Ultimately, we want to win the conference, get into the regionals, and get to the World Series."
Everything begins with the team's spring break trip to Florida. After the team returns, they will take on Marian College in their first home game of the year at noon Saturday March 31.