Watch: Arizona Wildcats talk new Terry Francona Hitting Center, upcoming season, Jerry Kindall

New season, new facility

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

The Arizona Wildcats baseball team is coming off a 38-21 season and a disappointing finish in 2017 compared to the College World Series campaign two years ago, falling to Sam Houston State in the Lubbock Regional. 

Head coach Jay Johnson is heading into his third year at the helm and although he lost first baseman JJ Matijevic, outfielder Jared Oliva and pitcher Cameron Ming to the pros, the Wildcats are optimistic about competing for a Pac-12 championship and getting back into competing for a College World Series. 

The newest addition to Hi Corbett Field is the Terry Francona Hitting Center, located just behind the right field wall. Francona, a former Wildcat and Cleveland Indians manager, donated $1 million to the program last January, which was used to develop the new hitting facility as well as renovate the team's clubhouse. 

The Wildcaster went to Hi Corbett Field for a tour of the Terry Francona Hitting Center, take a look at what the Wildcats had to say about their newest addition.  

First look

Finally inside of the Terry Francona Hitting Center. Yup, it’s glorious. pic.twitter.com/idhLNZ3aru

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Bunting station

Another portion of the Terry Francona Hitting Center, a bunting station. Cal Stevenson also said the Wildcats come to the facility to do some defensive drills as well. pic.twitter.com/fno5aoNbhy

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Players getting work in

Cesar Salazar and Alfonso Rivas III getting some work in. #ArizonaWildcats pic.twitter.com/YzWlmFR01z

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Christmas Day for Jay Johnson

Arizona Wildcats ⚾️ head coach Jay Johnson on the first day of practice and the Terry Francona Hitting Center: “It’s like a college baseball coach’s Christmas Day.” pic.twitter.com/hnfjgbnK7A

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Player development

Jay Johnson says the Terry Francona Hitting Center is huge for player development. pic.twitter.com/I8pZfDyG48

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Remembering Jerry Kindall

Jay Johnson on remembering Jerry Kindall: “He’s an elite human being. ... The reason being the coach at Arizona is a big deal to me, is because of who Jerry Kindall was.” pic.twitter.com/PNjX6abwvq

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Emotional roller coaster over the last month for Johnson

Jay Johnson on Jerry Kindall and Trevor Hoffman making the Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/tlPbR3P6W1

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Alumni game

Jay Johnson on Terry Francona and Chip Hale managing the UA alumni game tomorrow morning: pic.twitter.com/i07xlxUraZ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Arizona's pitching competition

Jay Johnson goes in-depth about Arizona’s pitching competition heading into the season. pic.twitter.com/Quh54TTfa6

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Impact of Cesar Salazar's return

Jay Johnson on Cesar Salazar returning to Arizona: “Unquantifiable.” pic.twitter.com/tR6ZiczmaI

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Facing outfielder Cal Stevenson

.@medelrob on outfielder Cal Stevenson: “He’s the smartest hitter I’ve ever faced in my life.” pic.twitter.com/ATDJmP60CC

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

JJ Matijevic's impression on the facility and professional career

Former Wildcat J.J. Matijevic on his first thoughts of the Terry Francona Hitting Center and his first year with the Houston Astros organization: pic.twitter.com/aqGJbpyfc5

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Robert Medel's viral video

For the culture! pic.twitter.com/vXreKumNB9

— Robby (@medelrob) January 20, 2018

What did Johnson think about Medel's video?

Arizona baseball coach Jay Johnson on @medelrob’s viral music video: pic.twitter.com/MgW9KIhJFi

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) January 26, 2018

Full tour of the clubhouse

⚾️ Inside the Arizona baseball clubhouse https://t.co/JA4oa4qLSC

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018