A few days before its season opener, one word is making its way around Florida’s locker room.
“A lot of us have integrated the word ‘Omaha’ into our daily vocabulary,” junior left-hander Danny Young said.
Omaha, Nebraska—the site of the College World Series.
It’s also the place where UF expected to end its season last year. Now, the word serves as motivation.
“The way it ended was disappointing but the season overall was not a disappointing season,” said Young, who went 5-0 last year with a 2.23 ERA. “I mean, obviously no one wants to go two-and-out when you’re the number two national seed. Quite frankly, we have to be better than that.”
Florida thinks it will be.
Its pitching staff is deeper, with sophomores Logan Shore and A.J. Puk likely solidifying at least two starting roles, and experienced lefties Bobby Poyner, Young and several other reliable arms waiting in the bullpen.
Its defense has more potential, with Richie Martin returning at shortstop, Harrison Bader and Buddy Reed anchoring the outfield, and freshman Dalton Guthrie taking over for Casey Turgeon at second base.
Its batting order has more power, with sophomore Peter Alonso getting the nod at right field in order to bring more offense to the lineup.
And even though coach Kevin O’Sullivan will likely use a two-catcher rotation for most of the season, freshman catcher JJ Schwarz has impressed nearly everyone. In high school, Schwarz tallied a .361 batting average with 33 RBIs, 15 runs and seven homers.
“As far as freshmen hitters I’ve faced throughout my three years, he might be the best just pure hitter,” Young said. “I mean, some guys just have a feel for hitting.”
That was evident when Schwarz hit a ball 404 feet into the media tower on Monday during practice.
“It was pretty high up so I give it like 430 (feet) maybe,” Reed said. “He’s definitely come on strong in the fall and the spring. I would definitely say he’s ready to play the season.”
Poyner added that everyone is eager to start the season, and that the improvement of returning players and the addition of talented freshman like Schwarz has given the team more confidence than in year’s past.
“I feel really good with all of our young guys,” Poyner said. “I feel like they really know what they’re doing, especially at the plate… I think they’re gonna make a huge impact right away.”
For UF, right away can’t come soon enough.
“Were sick of playing each other,” Young said. “We’re ready to face somebody else.”
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Freshman pitcher Danny Young warms up on the mound before Florida’s 4-0 victory against Ole Miss on March 31 at McKethan Stadium. Young picked up the loss in the Gators' 18-6 loss to the Tigers on Saturday.
