As the Spring semester begins, the John Melvin University baseball team takes the field to prepare for the 2025 season. After a long fall of training and scrimmaging, the Millers are looking to build off a 2024 season that brought a program record for wins, as well as many other team and individual records.
The Millers return seven starting position players from last year's team, losing only shortstop Kole Sonnier. Returning Millers include Trevor Durr (.405 AVG, 1.144 OPS, 33 RBI), Andrew Ashby (.379, 1.153 OPS, 7 HR), and Taylor Walters (.374, 1.024 OPS, 32 RBI), as well as many other high-level contributors. The Millers pitching staff returns all 4 of last year's regular starting pitchers (Gavin LeBlanc, Troy Morel, Peyton Ford, and Garrett Walker) as well as many key bullpen arms, including Caleb Ougel (3.11 ERA in 9 innings) and Willy Flynn ( 3.91 ERA in 25 innings).
There are many exciting things to look forward to this season and some new Millers to be on the lookout for. Sophomore infielder Taylor Walters, when asked what he is most looking forward to this season, said, "Roadtrips with the fellas, hitting the road to go handle business, the vans are some of the best memories I've had." When asked who some new guys he thinks will be contributors this season, Walters said, "Jack Day (Freshman catcher) is going to be big, getting Durr some rest and especially on the midweeks. Colt LeJeune (Freshman RHP) is also going to be big out of the pen for us this year, and on days where we need to rest the staff, he can pick us up"
Coach Musgraves and Coach Powell gave some insight into how they are feeling going into the season. When asked what he is most excited about heading into the season, Coach Musgraves said, "Finally getting to play for something (referencing the NSAC conference tournament and the IACCA World Championship). It's been an absolute joy to coach this team the last two seasons and watch how hard they worked when there was nothing at the end of the season to play for; I'm so excited to see what this program can do now that there is." Coach Powell, talking about some new players that will contribute, had this to say, "Obviously, we're excited about what our returning players will be able to do. They've put in hard work this fall, and it's almost like they're new players for us, too. Sophomore infielder Braeden Morgan returning from injury and being ready to go also gives us what feels like a new player since he only played Opening Day last season before going down with a season-ending injury. I see a lot of last year's young pitchers stepping up and throwing innings for us this year, as well as transfer Bebe King, who will throw some big innings for us this year"
The Millers play some big-time opponents this season, including Blinn College, who won the NJCAA World Series last season, and future NAIA opponents Louisiana College, LSUA, Mobile University, William Carry University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and University of Houston - Victoria. JMU also starts what is sure to be an intense rivalry with John Melvin Christian College on March 21st at Miller Stadium in Crowley, Louisiana.
The Millers take the field for Opening Day of the 2025 season on January 24th against Southeast Arkansas CC at Miller Stadium!
