Preseason Interview - Union Pines Baseball

Preseason Interview -- Union Pines Baseball

Tonight, the Vikings Varsity baseball team will take the field at home for the first game of the season against Gray's Creek. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Vikings are looking to turn the tide this season after having a losing record of 12-14 last season. The Vikings finished 4th in a tough conference and was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.

A large turnout showed up for the offseason workouts. “Workouts went well. We had between 20-30 guys there every day during our workouts. Kids have bought into what we are trying to do and are buying into the process that it takes to be competitive,” said coach Eric Marion. 36 kids tried out this year, coaches places 15 players on each team.

Coaches are focusing on the weight room this season and the players, especially the younger guys, are loving it according to coach Marion. They are also focusing on being competitive as possible. “Our goal for the year is to show up every day, be coachable, and compete every night when the lights come on,” said Marion.

Teh Vikings lost 10 of their 15 players from last season. This season the Vikings have rostered three freshman, four sophomores, four juniors, and four seniors. “Our guys are learning a lot about each other right now. We are currently working to build cohesion amongst our team with such a wide variety of age groups together. They are excited about the season and up for the challenge. We couldn’t ask for a better group of young men,” said Marion. “Our guys come to practice everyday ready to work. That’s all you can ask as a coach. Their willingness to improve every day is what I am excited to watch over the course of the season. How we improve each week as the season goes on.”

Coaches are looking for all four seniors to step up and be leaders for the team, with Austin Mooring and Jacob Williams (Jr.) being their most vocal leaders. “Chandler, Tyler, Grey, and Austin have all been around for 4 years now, so they know the expectation at Union Pines Baseball. It is up to them to help teach the younger players how we do things here. Jacob Williams has also been around for 3 years now and is a natural leader on the field,” said Marion.

2024 Varsity Roster:

1 Chandler Ring Sr.

2 Austin Mooring Sr.

3 Grey Booker Sr.

4 Caleb Wagner Jr.

7 Tyler Lewis Sr.

8 Brodie Lyczkowski Fr.

9 Sam Parker So.

10 Jaxon West So.

11 Preston Whitaker Jr.

12 Dominic Inocencio Jr.

14 Jacob Williams Jr.

15 Dylan Benedict Fr.

18 Joey Ring So.

23 Willy Rivera So.

25 David Park Fr.

2024 Schedule:

2/28 vs Gray’s Creek 7:00pm

3/1 @ Laney 6:00pm

3/2 @ Topsail 1:00pm

3/5 @ Lee County* 7:00pm

3/5 @ Lee County* 7:00pm

3/6 vs South Stanly 7:00pm

3/11 @ Gray’s Creek 7:00pm

3/13 vs Western Harnett 7:00pm

3/15 @ St. Pauls 7:00pm

3/19 @ Scotland* 7:00pm

3/20 @ Western Harnett 7:00pm

3/22 vs Scotland* 7:00pm

3/26 vs Richmond* 7:00pm

3/27 @ Richmond* 7:00pm

4/3 @ Trinity 5:00pm

4/5 vs Trinity 6:00pm

4/9 @ Hoke County* 7:00pm

4/10 @ Overhills 7:00pm

4/12 vs Hoke County* 7:00pm

4/16 vs Southern Lee*7:00pm

4/18 vs St. Pauls 7:00pm

4/19 @ Southern Lee* 7:00pm

4/23 vs Pinecrest* 7:00pm

4/25 @ Pinecrest* 7:00pm