Athens – On July 23, 2019, the Southern Ohio Copperheads fell on the road to the Richmond Jazz, 13-5. It would end their season.
Tonight, almost 3 years later, the Copperheads will return to Bob Wren Stadium with a new set of players, a new manager, and new ambitions.
And, after 2 uncertain and admittedly less brighter summers in Athens without baseball, the Copperheads will welcome their faithful back into the stands to cheer on their team.
Of course, with all this time without baseball means many new faces in new places for the team. First up is new head coach TJ Lanning, who was hired for the 2021 season but ultimately stayed on after the 2021 season was canceled. He will be assisted by Greg May.
On the diamond, the Copperheads have plenty of new talent to show off in Athens this summer. And the players are chomping at the bit to get started.
“Even after just a few days it already feels like a family,” said Joshua Steidl, a catcher from Jacksonville University. “I didn’t really know anyone when I first came in, but living with everyone and us getting to know each other has been amazing and we can’t wait to get started.”
Steidl is one of the many talented underclassmen you’ll see at Bob Wren this summer. He had 11 hits in 8 games of limited time at Jacksonville and had 6 RBIs and a home run to take advantage of his opportunities. He said that his main goal for the summer is “to try and be more of a leader. Be more vocal to my teammates as much as possible.”
Another talented underclassman you’ll see in the green and orange this summer in outfielder Aston Thomas. But the fans will quickly get to know him by another name: Bam.
“I’m explosive,” he said, hence the nickname Bam. “When I was a kid, I’d just go around hitting things, so my family started calling me Bam and it stuck.”
And Thomas absolutely lives up to the nickname on the field. In 47 starts at Flagler College in Georgia, he had a .312 average, 15 doubles and a 0.380 OBP. His goal for the summer though? “Hit some bombs!” he said with a chuckle and a smile. I didn’t get any last year, and I sprayed the ball but I’m just itching to get one out!”
Despite all the underclassmen talent, there’s still plenty of leadership to go around. Junior Kyle Ratliff, an outfielder from SIU-Edwardsville, is one of the older presences on the team, and he’s looking to take that next step in his development this summer.
“Just looking to play the game more smart, you know?” said Ratliff. “I’m trying to get better contact, be a better and more consistent hitter”.
One place to look out for Ratliff: on the basepaths. He stole 12 bags in his last full season, at Lake Michigan College before transferring to SIU-Edwardsville, and he prides himself on his speed.
“Oh, I’m always the fastest guy,” he said. When asked if he was the fastest guy this year, he replied, “Tied fastest.” It remains the be seen who can match Ratliff’s speed, but opposing teams will be on the lookout for his stolen bases.
This team has plenty of other talent that fans will get to meet throughout the season. Form top to bottom, this roster is full of pitching studs, big bats, and star fielders. This Copperheads team is ready to bring the entertainment back to Athens!
They open the season tonight against the Grand Lakes Mariners at 7:05 pm at Bob Wren. The team can’t wait to see you all there!
