The Pride baseball team was picked sixth in the USA South preseason poll as voted upon by the coaches. Greensboro is coming off a 22-14 campaign in 2012, including a 6-6 finish in conference play.
The Pride welcome back seven position players who started at least 28 games last season. Sophomore infielder James Feldmann headlines the offensive attack after posting a season best .369 batting average. Steven Pfeiffer, the team leader in RBI’s with 30, also returns.
Overall, the team’s top eight hitters with more than 70 at-bats from a year ago will be back. In addition, senior outfielder Matt Irwin returns after suffering a season ending injury seven games into the 2012 season. He started 33 games in 2011 and was named to the ABCA Rawlings Division III All-Region Gold Glove Team.
On the mound, the only returning pitcher with more then two starts last season is John Atkins. Atkins started four games and recorded a 3.28 ERA. However, Greensboro will be loaded with experience in the relief area as six players with at least four appearances will hit the mound again.
The Pride will open the 2013 season on February 2 with a doubleheader at Berry.
2013 USA South Baseball Coaches Preseason Poll
Rank Institution(1st Place Votes) Pts. 1. Christopher Newport (8) 64 t-2. Ferrum 46 t-2. Piedmont (1) 46 4. Methodist 42 5. Averett 40 6. Greensboro 38 t-7. LaGrange 19 t-7. N.C. Wesleyan 19 9. Maryville 10