Hammerin Hokies Have High Hopes

Virginia Tech baseball sports a new look this year, but still has lofty expectations.

“To go to the national championship. I want to be in the top eight teams,” said Pete Hughes, head coach of the Virginia Tech baseball team of his goals for the team.

The season’s just begun and already the team is enjoying success, having won all four of its weekend home games.

Last season saw the baseball team rally the Hokie nation through a healing process after the tragedy of April 16th. Hughes recalls, “Our baseball game was the first event following April 16th and it was an honor to kick start the community. I know our team played with honor and heavy hearts.”

The team this season consists of 21 new players which brings a whole new dynamic onto the field. With a lot more options and a young and talented team, be expecting some exciting wins.

The recruitment process for these players expanded throughout the country with an “inside-out” recruiting philosophy. The recruiting process began in Virginia and extended nationwide. Coach Hughes revealed, “We focused on a depth of our pitching staff in order to handle the 56 game season.”

The NCAA instituted several new rules this season to eliminate advantages held by warm weather schools, including the establishment of a uniform start date in February. Hughes felt as if this would have no effect on Virginia Tech’s game or recruitment strategy. It would, however, change the time span of the season for southern schools. Schools that started their playing season in January now have to wait until February and March, compressing their 56 game season.

Hughes felt that University of North Carolina, Florida State University, Clemson University, and University of Virginia would be his biggest competitors, which topped the ACC brackets in the past. He stated, “There is no off weekend in the ACC, everyone is good. There is no margin for error.”

Come out and see the Virginia Tech baseball team take on its competitors in English Field, one of the best venues after recent renovations. Hughes even admitted, “I changed the game times from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate students and families. You can come out early to see the games and still hold a social life in Blacksburg.”