MCC’s baseball team is gearing up for the start of a new season. This will be the team’s first year competing at the highest division junior college baseball has to offer, NJCAA DI.

The move up presents the team with new challenges along with great new opportunities for the players to showcase their talent against some of the best junior colleges in the nation.

Head Coach Jared Wacker shared some of his thoughts on the new division.

“Our guys are excited about being the first team at MCC to do this,” Wacker said. “My hope is that it creates even more opportunity f

or our players to go on and play at the next level with big time schools.”

Undoubtedly, the team has been diligently working to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead. “Stressing the little things” Wacker said. “We are focused on limiting mistakes and still playing with an aggressive mindset.”

The pitching staff is expected to be an exciting element of the team this season. With a combination of experienced returning players, new freshmen looking to make a splash, and players returning from injury. The battle for innings will “bring out the best” in the players, says Wacker.

Sophomore catcher Noah Goddard says he also feels very optimistic about the Scots pitchers this season. He talked about their off-season preparation heading into the season: “Building relationships with the pitchers will help you build a connection on the field and that will lead our team to succeed and win games.”

On the other side of the ball, the young offense looks to be aggressive on the basepaths and make an impact right out of the gate.

“I expect us to create havoc,” said freshman infielder Ryan Skwarek. “We are speedy and have solid contact throughout the lineup.”

Skwarek said he and the team trust the coaches’ offense and feel they have what it takes to compete against the top arms in JUCO baseball.

The Scots have been very successful in past seasons, posting a 45-12 record in 2023.

As they look to continue their success, the new division isn’t the only challenge they are preparing to face. The team will start their season on a four-game road stretch where they will face John A. Logan College, a top performer in the NJCAA DI division.

The first home game for the Scots is on Thursday, March 21. Mark your calendars and come out to show your support for the team as they look to make some noise in their new division and pave a path to a playoff berth.

https://mccscots.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/schedule