Theoretically, it should help a lot. The 2016 team played in all kinds of weather and in faraway, unfriendly environments. It survived multiple elimination games.
“I think it’s invaluable,” UA coach Jay Johnson said. “Successful experience can be a great teacher and can establish confidence. In this particular case, we have a new team, but we have enough guys that played enough of a role (last year) that there’s a lot they can draw from. And I’m sure they will.”
They already are. Before the NCAA Tournament bracket was announced, senior shortstop Louis Boyd was recalling the lessons learned from last year’s senior class. Atop that list: Be the same guy you were throughout the season.
“They led the way, even though we had no clue what we were getting into,” Boyd said. “Don’t be too high, don’t be too low. Guys like (Nathan) Bannister and (Cody) Ramer were unbelievable at that. Same with (Zach) Gibbons. They would just show up to the park, and you knew exactly what you were going to get out of them.”
Boyd is one of five returning “starters” from last year’s College World Series runners-up – six if you include utility player Kyle Lewis, who’s now the starting second baseman. Seven pitchers are back, as well as four reserves. The latter group includes junior Ryan Haug, who late in the season emerged as the starting left fielder. That’s more than half the team.
Contrast that to a year ago, when the only Wildcat with postseason experience was left-handed reliever Tyler Crawford.
“This year we know exactly what to expect,” Boyd said. “We’ll know what to do.
“We’ll have a routine.”
