In the aftermath of a tragic summer in 2003, the Buccaneer baseball team approaches the 2004 season with a renewed optimism and a determined mentality. 

This year’s squad will boast many positive traits that have been missing from recent teams. Twelve seniors return to offer strong leadership for the Buccaneers. The pitching staff will include six members that have been Gulf South Conference starters at some point in their career. The entire infield, including the catcher’s position, returns and the outfield will be deep and experienced.

 “This is the most experienced squad that I have had since coming to CBU," Goodwin said. "The key for this year’s team will be to translate these things into wins.”

Seniors Chad Nolan, Philip Wicke, and a now healthy Brad Powers, will lead the pitching staff. Juniors Chad Lopes, Jon Marshall and Tommy Hiegel will provide experienced support along with Sophomores Shawn Morgan and a healthy Brad Koewler.  Goodwin also expects Freshman Charlie Soukup of Saint Paul, Minnesota to provide immediate assistance.  You can add to this list nine more hurlers with game experience and you can see why Goodwin feels good about his staff.

Leading the list of returning position players is All-GSC West Division outfielder Wes Hoover, a junior. Joining him in the outfield will be seniors Kyle Dorgan and Latarius Harris, who will also battle for the starting shortstop position. Returning sophomores in the outfield are Ryne Dahlke and Michael St. Cin.

Senior Ian Strelsin returns for another season as the team’s backstop and will be backed up by Junior Brian Dejean and freshman Chris Brown of Erie, PA.

The list of returning infielders is long and is bolstered by the return of senior third baseman Jason Whitehead. Angelo Lucchesi, fellow senior Latarius Harris, and junior Mark McCleskey will staff the shortstop position.  In the battle for the job at second base are Lucchesi, senior Hank Pitts, junior college transfer Jon Hackett and sophomore John Raymond Hehn, who garnered playing time last year at third.

Goodwin is also hopeful that senior outfielder Michael Piantedosi, junior pitcher Patton Minkin, and sophomores Shane Hogan (OF/C) and BrianLea (P) will recover from injuries in time for the season.

 “After the horrible events that took place this summer, we have had a tremendous fall," Goodwin said. "The conference has changed back to three game weekends and eight, instead of six schools will qualify for the conference tournament at USA Stadium in Millington in May. With our number of experienced players, we feel like we have reason to go into this year with a certain level of confidence.”