Florida players share impressions of Charles Schwab Field Omaha

If the way some of the Gators talk about Charles Schwab Field Omaha is to be believed, expect Florida to rake during the College World Series.

The field, which hosts the CWS on an annual basis, is known for its ability to help well-hit balls find their way over the fence. Florida shortstop Josh Rivera revealed one of his teammates in particular has been loving the way the field carries.

“It’s a beautiful stadium. Nothing but positive thoughts about that. The infield plays really well. The outfield is pretty nice. Balls were flying today,” Rivera said. “We had Jac Caglianone hitting balls out of the stadium. It was really cool.

“All of us from a BP standpoint, were seeing the balls fly, and it just felt good to be out there for the first time to take it all in because once the World Series really gets started and we start playing these games, we have to focus and lock it in. So, yeah, the field is beautiful. It plays well. We’re just, once again, very excited.”

Florida catcher BT Riopelle agreed with Rivera. If the Gators can find their bats, the rest is sure to come easily. Still, playing on a new field for the first time always has its learning curves. Though, it’s nothing this Florida team can’t overcome.

“It looks a lot different than you see on TV. It’s a lot — you know, more kind of on top of you. I thought it was more of a bowl shape, but people are on top of you,” Riopelle said. “As Josh said, the ball was flying today.

“Luckily enough for us, we play in a big park, so it’s not really a huge change for us from that standpoint. But, yeah, just getting familiar with the grounds and the way balls come off the bat. And for me, seeing — catching pitches or hitting or whatnot with the background and everything. It’s a beautiful stadium. It’s everything I’ve dreamt it to be and even more.”

The Gators will open its College World Series slate against the Virginia Cavaliers. The first pitch is scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. ET live on ESPN.

Brandon Sproat, who turned down a third-round contract from the New York Yankees last year to return to Florida, will start on the mound of the Gators. Coastal Carolina transfer Nick Parker will earn the nod for the Cavaliers.