(NOTE: This is the third of a six part preview of the 2018 Stetson Baseball team. Tomorrow: Arenas to Anchor Improved Infield)

For the past two seasons, the only sure constant for the Stetson baseball team has been Austin Hale. Virtually every day, covering a total of 116 games, Hale's name has been on the Hatters' lineup card as the Stetson catcher.
 
His importance to the team over those two years has been immeasurable. Not only has he been productive from an offensive standpoint, batting .266 each year with 32 total extra-base hits and 50 RBI, but he has also been the premier defensive catcher in the ASUN, and one of the best in the nation. Opposing teams just don't run against Stetson when Hale is behind the plate.
 
Throw in the work he does with the Hatters pitchers, including calling all of the pitches, and Hale's value only grows. Coaches around the ASUN recognized his value by naming him the preseason Defensive Player of the Year in the league.
 
The only time he has missed behind the plate came early last year while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery but, this year, he shouldn't have to be behind the plate for every inning of every game.
 
"There are two young guys behind him we think are the future at that position in Nick Cardieri and Danny Martin," Hatters coach Steve Trimper said. "Nick is very tough and will be able to give Austin some rest every now and then as the backup and Danny Martin is a kid you hate not having in the lineup because he just grinds everything out.
 
"I hope those two get a ton out of this year because, after this year, they are going to be running this team. We aren't planning to bring anyone else in at that position."
 
Hale, a Johnny Bench Award candidate in 2017, is a captain for the Hatters again this year, joining with pitchers Brooks Wilson and Jack Perkins as well as shortstop Jorge Arenas. The hope is that Hale's offensive production will improve thanks to not having to catch every day.
 
"Austin really runs the team defensively and he started getting hot with the bat at the end of the year last year," Trimper said. Hopefully he can have a senior year where he adds a little more to the offense as well. Your pride says you want to be out there every day, but your body will let you know you can't do that, so we are going to be able to get Nick or Danny in there for a Saturday or Sunday game where he doesn't have to do all of it."

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.