The Coppin State baseball team continues fall practice prepping for the 2020 season. What is expected for the coming season? Justin Banks returns and should be the favorite for MEAC Player of the Year after hitting .394 with 5 homeruns and 17 doubles last year. He drew 12 intentional walks last year and ranked in the top 50 in hitting, on base percentage and slugging.
Aaron Rea returns for his redshirt senior season at pitcher and will graduate among top 3 in every major pitching category.
Also returning is All-MEAC catcher Conner Walker, Corey Treyes (All-MEAC and John Olerud Award Watch List for 2-way players/NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List), outfielder Matt Day, outfielder Marcos Castillo, who missed much of last season with injury, and All-MEAC designated hitter Carlos Alviarez.
Among the newcomers, look for Giovanni Canales to start on the mound during weekend series. Third baseman Toran Smith should be a great hitter as a freshman. Freshman Mike Dorcean looks to be a favorite to platoon with Conner Walker at catcher. Freshman Left Handed Pitcher Tim Ruffino will see a lot of time and is a great human interest story as he has just one hand. Also look out for infielder Caden Walton (hitting .467 this fall), SS Eddie Javier and junior outfielder/ transfer Justin Oakley who earned All-Region X honors at Louisburg College in 2019.
The Eagles believe they are the favorite to win the MEAC despite losing Jahmon Taylor, Devin Rivera Ozuna, Nazier McIlwain, Erik Crossman, Derek Lohr, Branden Redfern, Drew Thomas from the 2019 team.