by Katelyn Murray
contributor
As the Southern Athletic Association’s Conference Tournament approaches, baseball teams across the southeast are doing all they can to ensure they are ready come April 24. In hopes of gaining an advantage over their competition, the Millsaps Majors baseball team prepares for the tournament by making a 10 and a half hour trek to Kissimmee, Florida, to face the MLB’s Houston Astros.
Photo courtesy of dfw.cbslocal.com
Currently in spring training, the Astros looked to fill a playing slot for the first weekend of April before beginning regular season play. Due to some exceptional connections from Majors head coach Jim Page, the team will play against some big names in Major League baseball. When asked about the benefits of a DIII team playing against an MLB team, Coach Page says, “It will be a change for the guys to see something different, something on another level than they’re used to. Getting a chance to play against players you have looked up to always adds some motivation to your game and reminds you why you do what you do. It will be a cool memory for the guys to take with them, as well.”
Along with good memories to take with them, there is also a chance of being seen by a potential scout. With some All-Americans and Players of the Week on the Majors’ roster, Millsaps student-athletes have an chance that scouts from the MLB will be interested in what they see out of the Majors when they take on the Astros. Collectively, the Majors are very excited about this unique opportunity and plan to make the best of their time in Kissimmee at Osceola County Stadium. With a 19-4 record overall and a 10-2 record in conference play, the Majors are currently ranked second in the conference, trailing Birmingham-Southern, who they will play this weekend.
Photo courtesy of Millsaps Sports Information
Completing last year’s season with a fourth-place finish in the conference tournament, the Majors are coming back strong this season looking to bring the championship title back to Jackson. With eight of Coach Page’s former players going on to play professionally, Page knows what it takes to assist his players in taking their careers to the next level. Coach Page says, “I have faith that the Majors will dominate the Astros and return to Jackson with some wins and some enthusiasm under our belts before heading into conference play.”