Just a few weeks after the Fall World Series was cancelled due to a team member testing positive for COVID-19, the Fort Hays State University baseball team began its fall individual workouts on Monday.
“These drills and workout sessions last year really helped me feel comfortable when I was at the plate because of the large quantity of reps that we got”, said sophomore outfielder Jaxson Webb.
It also built some team chemistry being able to work on things together with my teammates nearly each day during the week.”
For many members of the team, these individual workouts are very beneficial.
For pitcher Zach Berg, “Individual workouts improved my game substantially last year. I was able to work with our outstanding pitching coach Sean Murphy quite a bit and learned a lot from what he had to say. The workout program we had also helped me get a lot stronger and gain some much needed muscle.”
The redshirt junior made his mark on the program last year starting seven games and leading the MIAA with 40.0 innings pitched.
This year Berg says that he plans on having similar goals moving into individual workouts this year while, “improving the overall strength of my arm and my body, as well as increasing my flexibility.”
With access to the Schmidt-Bickle indoor training facility the team is able to have small groups working together to refine their skills in preparation for the spring ‘21 season.
“We do a lot of hitting, breaking down our swings and really toning the fundamentals to them,” Webb explained
Webb proved himself as a true freshman playing in 24 games during the shortened ‘20 season.
Redshirt Freshman Jaxson Webb
The Tigers have high hopes for the upcoming spring ‘21 season under head coach Jerod Goodale.
As the team continues through the individual workouts Berg expressed the importance of continuing to apply what he learns over winter break.
“I always try to come back from break in better shape than when I left so I know I am prepared for the upcoming season,” said Berg.
The spring season is still four months away as the team is set to open up in early February at the Colorado School of Mines.