Pre-season predictions: The Rams look to keep swinging going into the 2023 season
Marcus Wilson, Contributing Writer Hit hard, run fast and turn left. The pressure is mounting on the 2022 Atlantic 10 champion: the VCU Rams. The black and gold look to maintain the flame with yet another victorious campaign as the men’s baseball team prepares for a full stride in the upcoming weeks. The Rams will […]
A new face up to bat: VCU baseball welcomes new head coach
Thailon Wilson, Staff Writer VCU looked to Clemson, South Carolina to hire longtime assistant coach Bradley LeCroy to fill the baseball team’s head coaching position. LeCroy is taking on the role after the team’s second consecutive Atlantic 10 win. “The administration support staff has been fantastic helping me get adjusted and answering my questions,” LeCroy […]
VCU wins Atlantic 10 series against Saint Joseph’s University
Thomas Callahan, Contributing Writer The Rams baseball team defeated the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks in a three-game series this past weekend. On April 19, the unranked Rams took 10 innings to defeat the No. 8 University of Virginia Cavaliers. A home run from graduate student Jacob Selden ultimately won the game for the Rams. The […]
Former pitcher returns to bullpen, joins coaching staff
Joe Dodson, Staff Writer Former pitcher Sean Thompson will return to the VCU bullpen as director of pitching development after two years of playing in the minor leagues. Thompson earned the second most wins in program history with 27 in 37 appearances. He posted 249 strikeouts in 300.1 innings pitched over his four years at […]
Family ties: Knapek twins bond on and off the diamond
Ben Malakoff, Contributing Writer If it weren’t for the numbers on the back of their jerseys, it would be hard to tell the Knapek twins apart. The biggest physical difference between the two is Carter Knapek is left-handed and is one inch shorter than Brooks Knapek, who throws with his right and is listed at […]
From putting out fires on the mound to fires on the ground
Adam Cheek, Staff Writer He was warming up in the bullpen during the 2010 season with the Baltimore Orioles when he noticed his pitches weren’t as effective as they once were. It was his sixth year in Major League Baseball. That’s when Cla Meredith knew it was time to retire. “I was incredibly fortunate to […]
Brown gears up for junior season with VCU baseball
Adam Cheek, Staff Writer Junior utility player Hogan Brown entered his third season with VCU baseball on Feb. 14 in a game against Charlotte after a successful 2019. Brown primarily patrols center field for the Rams and had a breakout sophomore season, playing in all but four of VCU’s 58 games. He recorded 66 hits, […]
Rams expect new players to fill crucial roles
Ben Malakoff, Contributing Writer After winning the Atlantic 10 regular season last year, Rams baseball fell into heartbreak after losing both of their postseason games. Some teams might want to forget and move on from a tragic moment, but for coach Shawn Stiffler and his team, the losses are motivation. “If you’re a competitor, regardless […]
Witt ready for final season with Rams
Adam Cheek, Staff Writer Senior infielder Paul Witt returns for a final year on the Rams’ baseball roster Friday, having put together three seasons in the field and at the plate. Witt, who primarily plays second base, is part of a large returning class that includes stalwart senior infielders Brett Norwood and Steven Carpenter. He’s […]
VCU Baseball opens Baseball Performance Center
Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor Two years ago, Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin called coach Shawn Stiffler explaining his vision of an elite performance center. On Thursday afternoon the Baseball Performance Center opened its doors, the first of its kind for the baseball program. Baseball trained at Franklin Street Gym prior to the […]