Florida Gator Baseball Begins Fall Practice

Florida Gator baseball officially began fall practice on Sunday. Gators head coach Kevin O’Sullivan joined Steve Russell on SportScene to discuss the team’s roster, returning Gators, freshmen talent and more.

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Returning Florida Gators

The Gators will have many veterans returning to the diamond this season. Sullivan spoke on how strong Florida’s roster looks with the return of the following veterans: BT Riopelle, Josh Rivera, Colby Halter, Ty Evans, Wyatt Langford and Michael Robertson.

Langford is expected to make a huge impact as he returns to the Gators this season. The 2022 First Team All-American (D1Baseball) and 2022 USA Collegiate National Team Member delivered one of the all-time best seasons at Florida, hitting .355/.447/.719 while leading the SEC with 26 home runs.

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Sullivan also mentioned how Halter, the 2022 Cape Cod League All-Star, is also expected to make a big impact for the Gators this season.

A Look at the Pitching Talent

Sullivan shared how well things are looking pitching-wise, as many Gators are also returning to the mound.

Brandon Sproat was selected by the New York Mets as the 90th overall pick in round three of the 2022 MLB Draft but elected to return to Florida. Sproat posted a 9-4 record while leading the Gators with 89 2/3 innings pitched. He also went 5-0 with a 1.59 ERA and .218 batting average in his last six starts of the 2022 season. Sproat’s return alongside Brandon Neely, and promising Southern Miss transfer Hurston Waldrep provides the Gators with much potential on the mound.

Additionally, Sullivan shared how Jac Caglianone is healthy after bouncing back from Tommy John and breaking out at the plate down the stretch in the 2022 season. Sullivan shared how the two-way player is looking great offensively as he did last year. Sullivan also said Caglianone is performing very well on the mound.

Versatility on Florida’s Roster

While Caglianone is proving to be a versatile player, many other players on Florida’s roster display versatility of their own. Sullivan spoke on seeking out the depth on the roster during Fall practices as well as the players who have exhibited these qualities.

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Freshmen at Florida

Sullivan discussed the freshmen talent on Florida’s roster, both behind the plate and on the mound.

Fall Practice Schedule

Below is the schedule for upcoming Fall practices, as well as important upcoming Fall dates. All of the practices and scrimmages are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend at Condron Family Ballpark.