Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's baseball team is gearing up for the 2025 season with significant changes to its roster and coaching staff. Head Coach Lance Rhodes has added 25 new players, aiming to achieve a more balanced team capable of winning through various strategies. Rhodes acknowledged past shortcomings, stating, "The reason why I believe we haven't been as successful as we were in '22 is because we were too offensive-oriented, and we didn't have enough pitching."

A key addition to the coaching staff is hitting coach Seth McLemore, who has already made an impact on the team. Rhodes expressed his satisfaction with McLemore's approach: "Hearing what he was about, his philosophy, how he went about it, I knew this was exactly what we needed in our program."

Returning player Jordan Bach emphasized the importance of each lineup spot contributing effectively. He noted improvements in his own performance after making adjustments: "I felt like my swing wasn't exactly where I wanted it last season," Bach said.

Newcomer Jordan Huskey will start as a pitcher in the Salukis' first game against UTRGV. Huskey chose Southern Illinois partly due to connections with pitching coach Austin Tribby: "What brought me here, ultimately, was just the coaching staff, how personable they were…"

Defensively, the team aims to improve after ranking third in errors last season. Changes include moving Matt Schark to third base and introducing Timothy Simay at shortstop. Bach will take on the role of centerfielder.

Rhodes remains optimistic about overcoming past defensive issues: "I think our left side of the defense last year is where we had a lot of our mistakes defensively." He believes that strengthening up the middle positions will be crucial.

Despite finishing 12-15 in conference play last year, Southern Illinois won two games in the MVC tournament. Rhodes highlighted the unique pressure of tournament play and stressed preparation: "It feels different in the tournament... There's a lot of anxiety with the tournament."

With over 70% new faces on the roster, team chemistry has developed quickly according to Bach: "We have a very professional group here... I'm very impressed."