Shocker baseball gearing up for home opener
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Wichita State University will take the diamond at Eck Stadium on Friday for their 2024 home opener. It will be the first look for fans to see the new faces on the team.
“It’s Wichita State baseball; it’s one of the most historic programs in college baseball history, and to have this opportunity is amazing to us and the staff,” said Shocker baseball head coach Brian Green.
The coach rebuilt the roster during the offseason by adding 35 new players.
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“The transition has been great. The kids have come in and, with open arms, have welcomed us. It’s kind of broken down into thirds roster of returning guys, high school and then transfers that we’ve recruited over the summer,” said Green. “I spent a lot of time in the fall. It was about team building, culture, who we want to be, systems, processes, all those things.”
So far, everyone has worked together well.
“There’s a lot of energy. Makes me feel like, you know, I’m in high school, young. But I love the energy out of these guys, and there’s never a dull moment,” said Caden Favors, Shocker senior.
There’s lots of talent all around. Now, they are working to develop a strong lineup.
“We’ve given a lot of guys opportunities, and actually, the roster has kind of grown in terms of opportunities. So the next three weeks are going to be really important as we move into conference and figure out exactly who we are,” said Green.
Favors has stepped up to secure his spot as a starting pitcher.
“My goal is just to help my team win and do my job. So, however, I can do that, I’ll do it,” said the left-hander.
“Caden, last year was kind of a reliever, spot starter opener, left on, left guy, specialist, you name it, he did a lot of things. He has been as good as anybody in America. His numbers don’t tell the story of how good he’s been,” explained Green.
Coach Green says Favors has also been a positive leader. All the athletes are locked in on one goal.
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“Winning is the most important thing to us. Um, you know, whether we call in a guy from the bullpen to get one out or we sub out a freshman and put in an older guy who’s probably got a better glove. You know, anything to get us the win is what we’re going to do,” said Favors.
Everyone is ready to bring their energy to Eck Stadium.
“Our initiatives are very simple and that’s put a good product on the field and do as much as we can to bring out the fans. We got to start packing this place again,” said Green.
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