Year four of the Rich Witten era is underway as the Florida International University team recently held its first official practice of the spring.
For Witten and his staff, this is essentially a brand-new team; 26 players departed the program after last season either due to the transfer portal or ineligibility.
Fourteen players are returning, while 29 are now joining, all via the transfer portal and high school recruiting.
“We’ve been working incredibly hard over the last couple of weeks,” Witten said following the practice. “This is really one of our first days as a team being out here.”
“We are on a great progression with the hitters, defenders and guys on the mound right now,” Witten continued. “They are progressing into some live at-bats today. We’ve been running some hybrid practices so that they are getting some individual work, skill work and some development plans implemented, but also bringing together the team aspect in the preseason.”
Among the 14 who are returning, two-way player Tracen Cameron will be crucial. Last season, Cameron led the team with 23 appearances (one start). Witten plans to count on Cameron.
Opening Night for the Panthers will take place Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. against Villanova. The game will be played at FIU baseball stadium and can be streamed on ESPN+.
