ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – MIAA baseball coaches seem to think the plate is set for Missouri Western baseball team to match its record-breaking 2016 season. The team was picked third in the MIAA Preseason Baseball poll as voted on by league coaches, receiving two first place votes.

The Griffons finished tied for third in the 2016 MIAA regular season before finishing as runner-up in the MIAA Tournament and advancing to the program’s third-ever NCAA Regional. The 2016 team won the second most games in program history (38-20) and broke program records for runs (481), RBIs (447) and home runs (67). Head coach Buzz Verduzco also logged his 500th career win last season.

2016 All-Region selections David Glaude and Landon Mason headline a group of eight returning position players and nine pitchers to the 2017 team. The season is right around the corner for the Griffons, who open Feb. 2 at the Air Hogs DII Classic in Grand Prarie, Texas.

2017 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 140
2. Emporia State (1) – 130
3. Missouri Western (2) – 119
4. Missouri Southern – 101
5. Washburn (1) – 100
6. Central Oklahoma – 90
7. Northeastern State – 75
8. Pittsburg State – 53
9. Northwest Missouri – 49
10. Nebraska-Kearney – 46
11. Lindenwood – 44
12. Fort Hays State – 36
13. Southwest Baptist – 31

— MWSU Athletics —