A storm is brewing—the Crimson Storm, to be precise. As the echoes of past seasons fade away, a new chapter is poised to unfold on the diamond, and anticipation is building for what promises to be an electrifying 2024 season. The Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm baseball team, under the seasoned guidance of Head Coach Grant Ledbetter, is gearing up for a thrilling journey, marked by a dynamic roster blending seasoned veterans and a wave of fresh talent.
The roster for SNU boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, creating an intriguing dynamic that could prove pivotal on the diamond. Returning players, fueled by the lessons of past seasons, bring a wealth of experience and leadership. Their familiarity with collegiate competition and their ability to weather the highs and lows of the game will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the team’s season. Adding to the excitement is the infusion of new talent. The Crimson Storm welcomed 14 freshmen, nine junior college transfers, one Division 2 transfer, and three Division 1 transfers. The enthusiasm and hunger these young and new players bring to the table inject a dose of energy into the team, creating a perfect storm of experience and new potential.
The Crimson Storm is being led by head coach Grant Ledbetter, who is going into the fifth season of being head coach of the baseball program. The Crimson Storm ended the 2023 season with a conference record of 6-27 and an overall record of 15-35, ending the season sitting second to last in the GAC standings. This leaves plenty of room for improvement for this upcoming season. However, SNU was in the top five in the Great American Conference in batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. They also topped the conference at number one with 452 strikeouts. The potential to improve this upcoming season is all there and with the help of experienced veterans, incoming freshmen, and new talented transfers, the Crimson Storm hopes to do just that.
As the season approaches in a few months, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation. Their preseason has included many workouts tuning up their skills and lifts to get them stronger and prepared for the season. There have also been scrimmages among the team to get the players involved in some live action and to continue to tune their skills in a game-like setting. The new season is set to kick off against the Newman Jets on February 1st, 2024, in Bethany at Feland Field.
As the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm prepares for the 2024 season, the stage is set for an exciting season ahead. With a mix of experience drawn from seasoned veterans and new faces, the team is primed to make a splash in the Great American Conference. The Crimson Storm’s journey promises to be one of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. So, Crimson Storm faithful, prepare for the storm to hit the diamond—a storm fueled by experience, potential, and an unwavering desire for success. The 2024 season is on the horizon, and the Crimson Storm is ready to make waves.
You can find SNU Basball’s schedule here.
Photo by Mick Haupt on UnSplash