Kevynne Aleman
UTRGV senior infielder Kade York runs to first base at the Annual Orange and Grey world series Nov. 17 at the UTRGV baseball stadium
The UTRGV Baseball team is hitting the field and getting the practice they need to prepare for their upcoming season in February.
The offseason is about building chemistry and culture for the team, and improving gameplay offensively and defensively.
Senior infielder Kade York is a returner for the Vaqueros. The previous season, York was a key player defensively. York spoke about how he is trying to improve his offensive game.
“My strikeouts last year were kind of high,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been working on this offseason, and turning my offense around for this next season.”
The Vaqueros overall record for the 2023 season was 30-26. With newcomers on the team, new talent comes into play. Head coach Derek Matlock explained the competition in starting positions and the bullpen.
“We worked really hard with our bullpen,” Matlock said. “We got so many guys fighting for their starting rotation and once we get those guys established in the early spring, we will end up bumping those guys in the bullpen. We got eight or nine guys fighting for four spots.”
UTRGV junior catcher Steven Lancia shakes his head after giving up a run one Annual Orange and Grey world series Nov. 17 at the UTRGV Baseball Stadium
Preparing for the upcoming season allows individuals to work on their weaknesses and improve their strengths. Junior catcher Steven Lancia spoke about what he has been working on to grow this offseason.
“Definitely getting stronger in the weight room,” Lancia said. “That’s been a big thing for us as a whole team and then just coming out here and putting the pieces together like figuring out which guys fit in which place, so we can come out on the field and play as one team.”
Matlock previews the Vaqueros’ expectations next year as the season starts in February.
“I think you’re going to see a lot more velocity,” he said. “We’ve had six or seven guys go to 95 plus. I think we got some speed too. There’s some speed getting in there.”
For more information, visit goutrgv.com.
This is Kevynne Aleman for Vaquero Radio.
