The Albion College baseball team was voted tied for fourth among MIAA teams in the coaches' preseason poll that was released Friday.
Last season Albion finished the regular season with a 17-11 record against MIAA opponents, landing them in third place. From that team, they graduated two all-conference seniors: All-MIAA first team pitcher Mitch Shedlowski and All-MIAA second team shortstop Joe Turnbull.
The Britons will return four players that earned All-MIAA honors last season. The list of 2019 All-MIAA second teamers includes junior infielder Drew Olszewski, senior catcher Jordyn Finney, sophomore outfielder Sean Haddlesey, and junior infielder Kellan Huang.
Among the Britons' statistical batting leaders in conference play last season, Olszewski led the team with 38 hits while recording a .365 batting average, Huang led the Brits with 29 runs batted in, and Haddlesey led with 25 runs scored.
Albion's pitching staff this season includes senior Scott Grant and sophomore Drew Weaver, who each started seven games against MIAA opponents last year. During those games, Grant pitched 49 innings while striking out 33 batters and posting a 4.22 ERA. Weaver threw 34 innings for 17 strikeouts and a 5.82 ERA.
Albion will begin their season February 28 when they face the Spartans from Manchester University. The Britons will then have one month before their MIAA games begin on March 28 when they travel to Adrian College for a doubleheader against the team on top of the preseason poll.
MIAA Preseason Poll:
- Adrian 7 points (7 first place votes)
- Hope 13 points (1 first place vote)
- Kalamazoo 23 points
- Albion 26 points
- Alma 26 points
- Calvin 38 points
- Trine 41 points
- Olivet 47 points
Follow Albion Baseball on Twitter: @BritonsBaseball
Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality at Albion College. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated competition facility for the volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball teams that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.
The College is continuing to raise funds in support of both projects. To learn more, call 517/629-0446 or email advancement@albion.edu