What is going on in Tuscaloosa? The University of Alabama arose to fame from strictly football long ago since the Bear Bryant days. That fame only grew and got more rich when Nick Saban took the reigns in the late 2000's.
What is the deal now? Every single athletic program on campus is alive and well, and I would even argue that program for program Alabama is a top 5 everything school in the NCAA. The basketball team even had an appearance in the final four this basketball season, which I think is getting overlooked by the public.
With heads being turned in Tuscaloosa and all of that being said, people need to really start tuning in to the guys on the diamond for the Tide.
The 2023 baseball season for Alabama was nothing but successful for where they had been the past few years. A winning record in SEC play, and a super regional appearance against the top dog Wake Forest Demon Deacons, it was looking only up for the program. All of that got grounded quickly after they got into serious trouble with the betting scandal brought on as summer was about to begin last year.
The NCAA punished the Crimson Tide with a $5,000.00 fine and some probation talk here and there. Greg Byrne looked to keep that success going nonetheless, and turned to Coach Rob Vaughn to continue the culture.
Coach Vaughn has not disappointed in the slightest this season folks. Whatever they have instilled into these players so far this season is absolutely doing the job. This offensive lineup is literally top five in a number of categories in the entire league. Also, with the SEC dominating every other conference in baseball, being offensively sound with the pitching talent displayed in this league is something to brag about. Especially the mid point of this lineup in Lebron, Hodo, and Ole Miss transfer T.J. McCants, the Tide are bringing ample firepower to the table with the sticks.
We know that this offense is doing their job, snatching the series from Arkansas this past weekend in a fundamentally exceptional three games, but what about the staff on the mound? The lefty-dominant pitching rotation for the tide brings a lot of finesse to the league, as the staff is extremely talented. But, I do think that getting the crafty starters to go the distance innings-wise has been a slight problem.
Although, this is a problem that is not very threatening whatsoever, because when they are on they are hard to hit against, taking key series victories over Tennessee, South Carolina, and the previously top-ranked Hogs. The closers for the tide are also doing their job, stamping a #5 spot in the SEC in saves.
This team is going to really be something to watch for as the season continues, and they very well could be headed towards their first appearance to the World Series since 1999. Let all naysayers know.