Last week HottyToddy.com had the opportunity to interview a group of Rebel ballplayers and Coach Mike Bianco as they practiced in preparation for the College World Series.
Ole Miss takes on Virginia in their first game tonight a 7 p.m. Here are some of the views of key Rebel players.
Christian Trent, left-handed starting pitcher, says finding out he was drafted into professional baseball will not be a distraction as he prepares for a probable game two start in the CWS.
“I found out about it (being drafted) on Twitter and although I’m excited, I don’t expect that to be a distraction or even a factor in the College World Series,” he said. “We’re so excited after competing week in and week out in the SEC, then winning the Regional and the Super Regional. I don’t think we’ll have to battle complacency. This has been a great first year with the team and my coaches and teammates have given me great confidence with the way they hit behind me and field.”
On the Rebels, Coach Bianco does the pitch-calling and Trent admitted he didn’t shake off one pitch called all year. “No reason with an experienced guy like Coach Bianco,” he said.
Austin Anderson, clutch-hitting Rebel third baseman, believes the depth of Ole Miss’ pitching staff gives his ballclub an excellent chance to go all the way in the CWS. “We like to get in the opposing team’s bullpen early, but with guys like Josh Laxer, Scott Weathersby and Aaron Greenwood, no one wants to get into our bullpen,” he said.
Anderson added that the big ballpark in Omaha, TD Ameritrade, won’t intimidate the Rebels who can score runs in many ways. “We can hit home runs, but we can also manufacture runs,” he said. “You get Braxton on and then you have one of the best college hitters in America in Auston Bousfield. With myself and Will Allen up next, we can hit the gaps and use speed and power.”
Shortstop and true freshman Errol Robinson will cherish the memory of fielding the last out in the Super Regional against Louisiana Lafayette. “I was just focused on making the play,” he said.
The slick-fielding shortstop credits his teammates with easing his transition. “The possibility of being part of history for this team and this community is something I’m very proud of,” he said. “Seeing all those people at Swayze to welcome us home was awesome and we didn’t expect it. This has been a phenomenal year for me getting my feet wet.”
Robinson says his comfort level has grown as the year has progressed and now he is itching to put his talents on display in Omaha. “The older guys on the ballclub really help me and the other rookies,” he said. “The game is played pretty fast in the SEC, and now we have the opportunity to get it done on a national stage. That’s a wild opportunity.”
Rebel Interviews on CWS Eve
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