The crash of the ball against baseball gloves echoes throughout the indoor practice field as pitchers hurl the ball across the field anywhere from 80-100 mph.
BYU’s baseball team this season is stacked with talent, especially when it comes to the pitching staff.
“We are very excited about the depth of our pitching staff this year and are looking forward to watching them compete,” BYU head baseball coach Vance Law said. ” It is a group that has really worked hard together, and as a team have worked extremely hard to prepare.”
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This past fall the team had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic. While there they were able to sweep the opposition with an impressive 4-0 run, as well as give back to the community by doing service to those in need. Many players said it was an incredible trip, one that they will not likely forget.
“It was amazing,” said Cameron Keyser, a right-handed pitcher from Danville, Calif. “It was the best experience of my life.”
Keyser feels this experience has prepared him for when the time comes to serve a mission. Many players found this experience has brought them closer together as a team.
“We have a great staff and everyone knows their roles, there is great chemistry within the team, and we are going to definitely start out on a high note,” Keyser said.
Keyser joked when he was younger he couldn’t even throw the ball across the diamond. His father questioned whether or not baseball was right for him. Apparently baseball was right for him as Keyser went on to develop his skills and eventually earn a spot as a pitcher on the baseball team.
Not only does this year’s team have great freshmen coming in, they also have some returning veterans that are sure to bring the heat this season.
Chris Capper, a right-handed pitcher and team captain originally from South Africa, seems confident in the ability of the team.
“This team has the most talent I’ve seen in my entire life,” Capper said. “One of the things that I am looking forward to the most is winning a championship with them.”
Capper reflected how he came to BYU.
“I came for a visit and I loved it,” he said. “The people are very genuine, the team and the coaching staff — they take care of you and I knew this was the right place for me.”
Capper said his experience in the Dominican Republic was one he will never forget.
“We were able to branch out as players as well as give back to the community,” he said. “It was really fun and we won so that made it even better.”
The Cougars start their season Feb. 17 in California as they take on UC-Riverside.
