Beginning fall practice as the team comes off a College World Series appearance this summer, Auburn head coach Butch Thompson spoke to reporters Thursday to give updates on the program.
Thompson highlighted future difficulties of an SEC schedule, shaping a team out of 24 returning and 24 incoming players and how he believes his roster is yet again loaded with talent.
The 2022 season saw Auburn reach the College World Series for the second time in three seasons. With that success came eight players selected in the MLB Draft—the first draft selection for each player, according to Thompson.
Filling those holes and gaining experience as a team will be an important step for the Tigers.
“We start that journey today. That’s what’s so exciting," Thompson said. "The next 45 days we’re absolutely going to get to play. We’re going to try to play as much as we possibly can."
Veteran experience will be influential in the weeks of fall practice. Several returning players tested MLB waters but ultimately decided to put on the orange and blue for another season.
One of these veterans, fifth year senior Kason Howell, discussed the aspirations and rising expectations surrounding the program.
“I really want to be a part of the first team that wins a national championship here,” Howell said.
Almost as impressive as making it to Omaha last season was the effort to keep a highly touted recruiting class intact and headed to campus. Ranked No. 6 by Baseball America, the class boasts four top-100 recruits, according to Perfect Game.
Headlining the class is catcher Ike Irish, outfielder Chris Stanfield, right-handed pitcher Hayden Murphy, and left-handed pitcher Zach Crotchfelt. Fall practice will be vital for giving these fresh faces valuable playing time and determining where they fall amidst a deep roster.
The Tigers also found success in signing experienced transfers. Graduate transfer Justin Kirby from Kent State has garnered excitement within the program as his powerful swing looks to find a new home in the Tiger batting order.
While there are questions about which names will fill out the lineup, Thompson is confident he has the players to build upon last season. Fall practice is just the beginning of what many Tiger fans hope will be a repeat performance of last year.
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Chase Black is a senior majoring in English education and minoring in sport communication. From Georgiana, Alabama, he started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @chaseblack334
