LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The West Alabama baseball team kicks off its 2025 season on Friday, hosting Columbus State in a highly anticipated home opener at the newly renovated Tartt Field. This matchup not only marks the start of a new season but also unveils the Tigers' upgraded home turf, a major step forward for the program.  

Coming off a 21-26 (12-18 GSC) campaign in 2024, the Tigers are eager to build momentum in their first game of the year. Returning talent includes standout hitters such as Blake Vineyard and Bryce Newman, who will look to lead the offensive charge. On the mound, Bryant Quimby and Maxwell Schumacher aim to anchor the pitching staff and set the tone against a dangerous Columbus State lineup.  

"Opening night is always a special night and with Tartt Field looking better than ever, we are ready to go out and compete and let our hard work from the last six months be displayed on the field," said head coach Eric DuBose. 

Blake Vineyard proved to be one of the most consistent offensive players this season, finishing with a .298 batting average and a .749 OPS across 46 starts. In 171 at-bats, he recorded 51 hits, including 10 doubles and three home runs, while driving in 24 RBIs. Vineyard was also effective at putting the ball in play, striking out only 21 times while adding four stolen bases in seven attempts. His .340 on-base percentage and .409 slugging percentage highlighted his ability to contribute regularly at the plate, making him a valuable part of the lineup. In the field, Vineyard was steady with a .960 fielding percentage. He recorded 87 putouts and 10 assists, committing only four errors throughout the season. His versatility and reliability in the outfield helped bolster the team's defensive performance. Vineyard's all-around contributions both offensively and defensively were crucial to the team's efforts this season.  

Bryce Newman was a consistent presence in the lineup, appearing in all 47 games and posting a .274 batting average with a .712 OPS. He recorded 49 hits in 179 at-bats, including six doubles and two home runs, while driving in 19 runs and scoring 32 himself. Newman showed patience at the plate, drawing 26 walks to boost his on-base percentage to .371. While not a frequent base stealer, he added three steals in eight attempts, showing his ability to contribute in base running situations. Defensively, Newman was a key asset in the infield with 108 assists, 74 putouts, and a .933 fielding percentage, despite committing 13 errors. His range and ability to turn double plays (26 on the season) proved vital to the team's overall defensive success. As both a hitter and an infielder, Newman brought a balanced skill set and a steady work ethic to every game, making him a reliable contributor.  

Bryant Quimby led the pitching staff in innings pitched, throwing 64.0 innings across 12 starts with a 4-4 record. Despite a 6.47 ERA, Quimby showed flashes of dominance, striking out 43 batters while limiting walks to 26. He allowed 77 hits but worked effectively in key situations, minimizing extra-base hits and keeping the ball in the yard for much of the season. His ability to eat innings and serve as a consistent starter was essential to the team's rotation. In the field, Quimby added value with his defensive contributions, tallying 11 assists and two putouts. However, he committed three errors for a .813 fielding percentage, showing some room for improvement. Quimby's durability and ability to give his team a chance to compete every time he took the mound were significant to the team's overall success.   

Maxwell Schumacher delivered a strong presence as a starter, throwing 47.2 innings across 12 starts with a 3-4 record. His 6.42 ERA doesn't reflect his ability to limit opponents to a .275 batting average, which was among the best on the staff. Schumacher also struck out 43 batters while issuing only 20 walks, demonstrating his ability to challenge hitters effectively. His consistency in the rotation allowed the team to compete in key games throughout the season.

Defensively, Schumacher showed room for improvement with a .824 fielding percentage, recording 12 assists and two putouts while committing three errors. Despite occasional struggles in the field, his contributions as a starter were integral to the team's efforts, providing stability and reliable innings in the rotation. Schumacher's competitive nature on the mound made him a valuable part of the pitching staff.  

The Cougars, who finished 33-21 last season, bring a high-powered offense featuring Cody Ferguson (.323 AVG, 6 HRs, 33 RBIs) and Andrew Rubin (.281 AVG, 2 HRs, 28 RBIs). Their potent lineup will test the Tigers' pitching early, providing a benchmark for the revamped West Alabama squad.  

The West Alabama baseball program is bolstered by an exciting crop of newcomers this season, bringing a wealth of talent and proven track records to the team. Among them, Joe Watkins, Jake Goolsby, and Eli Burwash stand out with impressive career numbers.

Joe Watkins showcases a career .345 batting average across 108 games, with 87 hits, 34 stolen bases, and a solid .939 fielding percentage. His versatility was on display during his time at Lawson State Community College and UAB, highlighted by multi-hit games, power at the plate, and steady defense.

Jake Goolsby enters with a stellar .321 career batting average, 21 home runs, and 92 RBIs over 131 games. His ability to hit for power and consistency, paired with a .467 on-base percentage, makes him a key addition. At Lawson State, he excelled defensively with a .989 fielding percentage, showing his impact on both sides of the field.

Eli Burwash brings a combination of speed and reliability, amassing 54 career stolen bases, 132 hits, and a .437 on-base percentage over 149 games. His versatility as a utility player was evident at Western Kentucky and Lawson State, where he consistently contributed at the plate and in the field, including a career .971 fielding percentage.

With such strong additions, these newcomers are poised to play pivotal roles in elevating the team's performance this season.

In addition to the new season, all eyes will be on Tartt Field, which has undergone significant renovations, including a state-of-the-art turf installation. The improvements reflect the university's commitment to the program, creating an enhanced atmosphere for players and fans alike.  

"We have some beautiful weather this weekend so come out and see your 2025 West Alabama Tigers," DuBose closed.

First pitch is set for Friday at 5:00 p.m. as the Tigers look to begin their season with a statement victory on their new home field.