Feb. 1, 2009
ATLANTA – The Georgia Tech baseball team begins the 2009 season Friday, Feb. 20 when it opens a three-game series with Lipscomb. Every day, leading up to the first pitch, a different member of the 2009 squad will check in with their thoughts on the upcoming season. Today’s blog, the first of the year, is by sophomore shortstop Derek Dietrich.
It has been nine long months since our last baseball game and like wild horses we are chomping at the bit. The entire team is excited that Opening Day is nearly here. Only 19 days to go until we can debut our strong 2009 Yellow Jacket Baseball Team!
During the fall and winter we have worked hard, on and off the field, to strengthen our bodies and hone our individual baseball skills. Now, with spring in the air, excitement is building and everyone is anxious to finally converge as a team when practice begins today.
As always, our freshmen are eager to become part of the GT tradition and all of our 21 returnees are raring to go. Seasoned sophomores, with a year under our belt, are anticipating another rewarding season, while determined juniors are ready for dreams to become reality. Impressively, our dedicated coaches and spirited seniors are leading the charge toward our ultimate goal of reaching the College World Series and winning a national championship.
In the next weeks of preparation, we will sharpen our strengths and improve upon our weaknesses. As a unit, we will concentrate on all of the little things that will enable us to compete at the highest level of the ACC and collegiate baseball. Already we are displaying a very competitive spirit which should propel us past pre-season polls and elevate us toward our own lofty expectations.
Through activities since last June, such as The White & Gold World Series and visiting the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Halloween Party, we have shared valuable experiences. Now, we look forward to our Baseball Banquet this weekend, hearing Atlanta Brave Jeff Francoeur speak, and sharing an evening with our generous Georgia Tech baseball community. Finally, when we take the field this month, we will be able to draw on our team chemistry and commraderie, which will be infused with fresh attitudes this year. Together we anticipate another fun, exciting, competitive and successful season on the flats.
On behalf of our entire team, coaches and incredible baseball staff, we would like to thank our families, friends, alumni and especially our AMAZING FANS in advance for your invaluable support.
Our goal is to play our best baseball in 2009. Our direction is WEST. Our final destination is OMAHA! GO JACKETS!!
