Otterbein's baseball team is preparing for the 2026 season with a new focus, raising expectations for the season.
The Cardinals are energized for the new baseball season, despite coming off a disappointing 14-23 record and only being 3-14 in the conference.
The team has been up early, bringing enthusiasm and energy each morning and showcasing their daily effort to get better.
Junior outfielder Nolan James said, “The boys are bringing it."
"Even though you think it’ll be low energy, wanting to go back to sleep, we feel like we are coming back from war," said James. "Those guys bring the energy in that room. It makes you want to go through a brick wall, and that’s why we are hitting goals every 6 a.m. lift.”
With a lot of young players returning to the roster, younger players have to step up and play a bigger role than last year, which brings excitement to players such as freshman pitcher Jackson McDonald.
Still, improvements can always be made. “We need to attack hitters and play defense," said McDonald. "We definitely lacked both areas last year, and those are two things you have to have to be successful at to be a good baseball team.”
The Cardinals are amped, ready to kick off this season, and ready to bring some excitement to the Fishbaugh Field.
Their season begins on Feb. 21 against Mount St. Joseph University.
MCR Housing use to be expanded this semester
