As the unprecedented fall of 2020 comes to an end, the baseball team wrapped up its fall individual practices and switched its focus to winter break.
“For the spring season, I am most looking forward to just getting my feet wet and getting some real, in-game experience of college baseball to ultimately become the best I can be,” said freshman pitcher Jayce Meyer, a left-hander from Wichita.
Meyer said this offseason has been different, even from his out-of-season workouts in high school.
“The main way (COVID-19) has affected my fall semester is honestly just restricting how many fall games we got to play,” Meyer said.
One thing he highly anticipated was competing this fall against junior college competition in exhibition contests. Meyer was disappointed when those games were removed due to COVID-19.
But the disruptions didn’t happen for him only on the field.
“As far as school goes, I have just never really experienced online learning, so that’s the biggest way it affected me academically,” Meyer said.
Despite classes being online, the players were able to gain ground by doing their fall workouts under the correct precautions.
“My first fall was pretty good. I would definitely say I have learned a few things since being here”, said freshman pitcher, Dustin Menard
“The workouts we do are more baseball related. Whereas on my own I do more strength conditioning.”
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Meyer said he likes the individual workouts because they can be tailored to each student-athlete.
“Something I have been really focusing on this fall and winter is gaining weight and strength to ultimately improve my fastball velocity,” he said.
As 2020 comes to a close, players are switching their focus to getting ready for the upcoming season.
“Over the break, I plan on meeting up with some buddies from high school and past summer teams to throw and hit against each other in the indoor facility we have access to, along with continuing our weights and long-toss programs,” Meyer said.
Menard said the individual work aids player progression and helps with development.
“I am going to use what I have learned so far and keep on applying and keep advancing to the next level if it is within God’s will,” said Menard
Since this year has not been ideal, players are forced to become creative in finding ways to properly stay in shape.
“The biggest challenge will be finding a place to work-out besides my basement and being able to work with what I got,” Meyer said.
Those continue workouts, despite being away from campus, are crucial for players to develop.
“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,” pitcher Zach Berg said earlier this fall season. (This is from earlier beat story)
The Fort Hays baseball team opens the spring season Feb. 14 at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo.