It was the middle of March last year when Head Coach Ryan Beckman felt his Titans were finally hitting their stride. They just completed a series win over South Florida State where the offense started to click, the defense was becoming next level, and the pitching was about to hit its peak. Then, COVID-19 suspended and eventually cancelled Beckman's 9th season at the helm. "It was a tough pill to swallow, but you look at our world at that time and it was beyond baseball." reflects Beckman. With a new season quickly approaching, this years' squad looks to follow up 2020's success on the diamond.
When asked about the 2021 campaign, Coach Beckman reveals "We had a successful fall. It was different because we did not get to play many college teams. So I really don't know where we stand compared to our competition. We are big, athletic, and I believe in the pieces we have. Several of the returners view this season as having Unfinished Business. With some new additions to the roster, and a lot of production returning from last year's team, we've got a good chance to accomplish the goals we have set out for ourselves."
That production starts on the mound, where the Titans will look to a bundle of strong arms to lead the way. Third year veteran Gabe Partridge as well as Channing Young, Bryce Fisher, Ivan Martinez-Suarez and Mike Rodriguez will serve as major pieces towards the team's success. " We finally have some depth on the mound. I know a lot of our guys trust our starting pitching and they should, they all give us more than a chance to win" says Pitching Coach Sean O'Connor.
As for the offense, state leading slugger Gabe Rincones looks to add to his 2020 accomplishments and will be supported by Christian Rivera and Chris Williams in what should be a versatile lineup. Recruiting Coordinator and third base coach Mitchell Wydetic had this to say of the of the Titans offense; " I think the lineup is longer this year. There's a lot of guys with some pop that also have some experience they didn't have before. We will need every bit of that as we go up against the best competition in the country."
Beckman and company will indeed see some of the best baseball the Junior College scene has to offer. Three of the first four games in the 2021 campaign are against nationally and state ranked opponents. With nonconference games featuring national powerhouse University of Tampa, as well as top Junior College programs such as Central Florida and Santa Fe
The 2021 season will kickoff January 22nd at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale, FL for a double header against Pensacola State and Chipola College. The Titans will host Santa Fe on February 3rd at Jack Russell Stadium in what will serve as their home opener. For more information on SPC Baseball visit athletics.spcollege.edu/baseball or follow them on twitter @SPCBaseball.
