The Florida A & M men’s baseball team has waded into uncharted waters this season, as they’ve competed amidst a global pandemic. Throughout the season, the team has found a way to maintain focus while facing adversity.
The Rattlers are currently fourth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings. Players are adjusting mentally and physically, taking necessary precautions to play in such an unorthodox season. The team has made proper adjustments and is following vital regulations to keep themselves and the staff safe.
Through all of this, players have remained optimistic. “The pandemic has had a huge effect on playing. Testing multiple times a week along with not being in the classroom has been difficult, but we’ve had to adapt and overcome,” said Ethan Jenkins, an outfielder for the Rattlers.
Despite COVID-19, the FAMU baseball team has encountered a demanding schedule that has challenged them for the better. Early on in the season, the team faced great competition against non-conference teams including the University of South Florida, Stetson, and the University of Florida.
Seyjuan Lawrence, an outfielder, believes although the season started off highly competitive, he has greatly improved.“The season has been okay, I started a little rough. Now, I am playing better than I ever have at FAMU,” said Lawrence.
The Rattlers were on a five-game winning streak after defeating North Carolina A&T four times and continued the run by beating Alabama State University. Unfortunately, the streak came to an end last week against the Florida Gators.
The MEAC championship is the number one priority on the Rattlers’ minds. Jeremiah McCollum, a right-handed pitcher, has high hopes to have a duplication of last year’s championship. “I’m looking forward to winning more ball games and to repeat as MEAC champions. It would be the first time in school history if we accomplish this.”
Over the weekend, the Rattlers took on Norfolk State University, in a four-game series. During the first two games, the Rattlers came out strong winning the first game 12-5, and the second 6-2. However, they weren’t able to carry the same momentum into the last two games as they lost both.
Now, the team will now prepare to take on Alabama State tomorrow at 5 p.m. in Montgomery, AL. After battling against ASU the Rattlers will then compete in two four-game series against North Carolina Central and NCAT.