How Svsu Baseball Made a Comeback
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The Cardinals had a disappointing first season under new Head Coach Matt Blake, but they came back strong in 2020. Here’s how they did it.
The team’s journey
It was a long road back to the top for the SVSU baseball team After a string of losing seasons, the team finally turned things around and made it back to the playoffs. Here’s a look at their journey:
The first step was hiring a new head coach Joe Brown. Brown had a successful track record as a Head Coach and he quickly got the team on the right track.
The next step was to bring in some new players. The team had lost some Key Players from previous seasons, so they needed to add some depth. They did that by signing some top recruits and transfers.
Once the roster was set, it was time to start playing The team got off to a slow start, but they picked up steam as the season went on. They ended up winning their conference and making it to the playoffs.
It was a great season for the SVSU Baseball Team and they’re poised to make even more noise in the years to come.
The players’ stories
In the 2015 baseball season the Svsu team had a rough start. They lost their first six games, and their overall record was 3-11. The players were struggling to find their rhythm, and morale was low.
But then something changed. The team started to come together, and they began to win. They finished the season with a record of 19-12, and they made it to the conference tournament
The players credit their turnaround to their willingness to work hard and never give up. They also believe that their bond as a team was key to their success.
This is a feel-good story about a group of young men who refused to give up, even when things were tough. It’s a story about teamwork, dedication, and perseverance.
The fans’ support
Svsu baseball had a great season and the fans showed their support in many ways. The team had a great turnout at their games and the fans were very vocal. The team’s merchandise sales also increased.
The community’s involvement
The community’s involvement was a big factor in Svsu baseball’s comeback. Businesses and individuals donated money to help fund the team, and fans came out to support the players.
The media’s coverage
The media’s coverage of the team’s games began to improve as the team’s record improved. The local press began to take notice of the team’s success and started to cover the team more extensively. This increased coverage helped to generate more interest in the team and drew more fans to the games.
The coaches’ dedication
Since 2016, the Cardinals have improved their record each season and made the playoffs in 2019 for the first time since 2001.
SVSU Head coach Johnny Respecki attributes the team’s success to the dedication of his Coaching Staff
“Our coaching staff is incredibly dedicated,” Respecki said. “They put in a lot of extra time with our guys and it’s really paid off.”
Respecki said that assistant coaches Matt Koczo, Steve Brien and Will Devine have all been with the team for four years, and that their continuity has been key to the team’s development.
“Having that continuity has been big for us,” Respecki said. “We’re all on the same page and we all believe in what we’re doing.”
The SVSU baseball team will look to build on its success in 2020, when it will once again compete for a spot in the postseason.
The front office’s commitment
The front office’s commitment to player development and building a team culture emphasizing “family” and “accountability” has been the driving force behind the Cardinals’ return to prominence.
SVSU baseball went from being one of the worst teams in Division II to conference champions and NCAA regional participants in just four years. The biggest reason for the turnaround has been the culture shift instilled by head coach Jordan Bischel and his staff.
When Bischel took over in 2016, he inherited a team that had gone 8-41 the previous season and had won just 12 games in conference play over the last three years. Bischel knew he had to change the culture if the program was going to be successful.
“We talked a lot about family and accountability,” Bischel said. “We wanted to create a culture where our players knew they were part of something bigger than themselves.”
The players bought into Bischel’s vision, and it showed on the field. The Cardinals went 29-22 in Bischel’s first season, winning their first conference championship since 2010. SVSU followed that up with another winning season in 2017, before making a run to the NCAA Division II World Series in 2018.
The Cardinals lost in the World Series but their run showed that SVSU baseball was back on the map. The team has continued to thrive under Bischel, winning another Conference Championship in 2019 and reaching the NCAA Regional Tournament in 2020.
SVSU’s success is due in large part to Bischel’s commitment to player development He has worked tirelessly to improve his team’s skills, both on and off the field.
“I want our players to be well-rounded men, not just baseball players ” Bischel said. “I want them to be fathers, husbands, community members and role models.”
Under Bischel’s guidance, SVSU baseball has become a family affair. Several players have gone on to play professional baseball including pitcher Jason Kerr (Detroit Tigers) and outfielder Tanner Allison (Cleveland Indians). Allison credits Bischel for helping him take his game to the next level. “Coach Bisch is one of those guys who really cares about you as a person,” Allison said. “He wants you to be successful not only on the field but also off it.”
The stadium’s atmosphere
The stadium’s atmosphere was electric. Fans were screaming and cheering and the players fed off of that energy.
The team’s merchandise
The team’s merchandise is top-notch, and the team has Svsu baseball t-shirts sweatshirts, and hats for sale. The quality of the merchandise is top-notch, and the prices are reasonable.
The team’s website
Svsu Baseball’s website is a great way to learn more about the team and their recent successes. The site includes a roster, schedule, standings, and statistics. There is also a section devoted to news and press releases. In addition, the site has a link to purchase tickets and merchandise.