South Carolina baseball coaches, players share excitement for opening day
Baseball is back, which means opening day is finally here. It’s a day that brings upon a lot of emotions for players, coaches and fans alike.
“I just love opening day because it means spring is here,” Mark Kingston said. “It means you get to watch your guys really be happy about all the work they put in.”
[Win a mini helmet autographed by Spencer Rattler]
With it also comes hope and optimism. For South Carolina, it will be looking to put the bad memories of last year in the rearview mirror and start fresh in 2023.
“We’ve mentioned it a couple of times, last year’s not how we wanted it to go and every year I’ve been here is not how I’ve wanted it started,” Braylen Wimmer said. “So to get back out there to start a new year to reach our goals is exciting.”
It’s been awhile since the Gamecocks last took the field — 269 days to be exact. They saw their season come to an end when Florida won on a walk-off in extra innings at the SEC Tournament.
“It feels like forever ago since we played our last game,” Will Sanders said. “We’re excited to get people back into Founders and start chanting and clapping and screaming. I mean, that’s what we came here for. We’re excited to start it.”
[Subscribe to Gamecock Central until Aug. 31 for only $29.99!]
For Sanders, he’ll make his second opening day start for the Gamecocks. With another year of experience under his belt, he’s hoping to get off to a great start.
Top 10
- 1
Ryan Day
Buyout revealed from new contract
- 2
UNC president
Belichick hire fall out
- 3
'I'm 1-0 vs. PETA'
La. Gov. defends LSU live tiger
- 4
2025 CFB odds
Key game point spreads
- 5
Marshall Faulk
Deion Sanders adds HOFer to staff
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“The only thing I remember about opening day last year was the seventh pitch. Pres Cavenaugh hit a home run on a changeup in a 1-1 count. And that was really aggravating,” Sanders recalled. “So hopefully tomorrow will go a little more smoothly. I’m just excited to get out there and wear some well-fitted pants.”
[Become an NIL supporter of your South Carolina Gamecocks!]
As has been the case every year, Founders Park will be decorated with American flag banners, something Kingston truly enjoys.
“My favorite part about opening day is getting to see a packed ballpark. Getting to see the decorations that go up. Getting to see the excitement in our players’ faces knowing that everything they worked for the last nine months, they’re getting to now go on the field and see their improvements and see the new excitement,” Kingston said.
South Carolina begins the new season on Friday afternoon against UMass Lowell. First pitch starts at 4 p.m. on SEC Network+.
