Despite Florida A&M University deciding to cancel spring football, volleyball and indoor track and field, one program is looking forward to beginning its season in 2021.
The Rattlers’ baseball program will be back in action in the spring. The team will look to pick up where it left off last year before the season ended early, due to COVID-19.
Junior right-hand pitcher Jeremiah McCollum and Junior outfielder LJ Bryant expressed their thoughts on the upcoming season.
“It’ll be an interesting experience. FAMU has provided us with helpful information and set rules to where we could play without fear of contracting the virus. Coaches and compliance have done a great job,” McCollum said.
McCollum continued “It’s definitely anything besides normal. We social distance at practice and in the weight room, but we make the best of the situation and we are still thriving to repeat as MEAC champions in 2021.”
The Rattlers baseball team is coming in on a high note as they are the defending MEAC champions.
“I still feel excited. I think everything happens for a reason and I know that with COVID ending our season last year everyone is hungry and ready to get back at it,” Bryant said.
Bryant continued, “COVID has changed the way we do things with precautions and all but my mindset hasn’t changed. I’m just focused on winning games.”
Last season McCollum had a total of 11 strikeouts at the pitching position. He had a season-high of 5 against South Florida.
Bryant had a total of 27 catches with a season-high of five and 27 putouts against Dayton.
COVID-19 has taken many things away from the athletes, coaches, students, and alumni. Athletes in particular are missing out on a chance to enjoy their senior season and go out with a bang.
Despite COVID going on, senior outfielder Seyjuan Lawrence expressed something he’s looking forward to. Lawrence had a total of 13 hits, 7 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases last season for the Rattlers.
“One thing I am looking forward to is basically playing the season and being able to finish out my senior year on a good note,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence continued, “Honestly I feel kind of scared because of COVID but also so grateful because I am getting another year to play baseball.”
Due to COVID, the Rattlers were only able to play 15 games last year with an overall record of 5-10. They will look to strike their way to another MEAC championship in 2021.