SE Kentucky News

Q&A: Lewis hopes for big strides in year two with Union baseball

Chris Lewis knew he'd take his lumps in year one.

Taking over a revamped roster while still in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, Lewis didn't have a full offseason to prepare for his first season as the head coach of the Union College baseball team, and therefor didn't set major expectations from a win-loss perspective.

"It's one of those where we have zero expectations other than our guys play hard," Lewis said prior to the start of the 2022 season. "We live in a society where when people fail it's just so easy to stop (and say) 'Oh, it's not working, this isn't what we want to do.' I think we're pretty set as a coaching staff in the style of play and what we're looking for. If we can lay the foundation in year one … that'll be a success because we still have no idea what the future will be."

And while their were good moments on the field, the transistion was, understandably, rough, as the Bulldogs finished 10-30.

But now that he's been able to work through an entire recruiting cycle and offseason program, Lewis, who will lead the Bulldogs in a pair season-opening doubleheaders against Goshen (Ind.) at home this weekend, believes considerable improvements are on the way as he enters year two.

We spoke with Lewis about his hopes for the upcoming season. Responses have been edited for clarity. 

On a personal level, how much more comfortable are you heading into year two in this program and how much more comfortable are your players and coaches? 

We are all more comfortable compared to this time last year. Last year we were all learning on the fly. Being able to have a full roster, full fall season and a full coaching staff to start the year allowed us to hit the ground running. 

How are new players gelling with returning guys?

We were really pleased with how the guys have gelled together. They do a great job of celebrating each other's successes, which speaks volumes. 

What returning players, be they hitters or pitchers, are you most excited about?

We are just excited overall. It's always fun to see the returners play with more confidence because they know the system and they have done a great job of helping the new players. 

Who are some newcomers you think can step in and play important roles?

The newcomers have done a great job of learning the system. It will be fun to watch the impact they can have on the field.

At this point of the season, what are your biggest team strengths and what are some areas you think will take time to flesh out?

Our biggest strength is that this team has the ability to make critical self-judgements. They can be honest and identify areas of strength and areas they need to continue to improve. That ability gives them the best chance for individual success and, ultimately, team success. We will start the season with some guys out at just about every position group. The timeline for return is different for each situation, so the preseason will be about moving guys around both defensively and in the lineup and trying to determine roles for our pitching staff. There are a lot of questions still to be answered.

Do you have a win-loss record you think would constitute a successful season?

Certainly, the goal is to get to the postseason on a yearly basis moving forward. But there is much more to coaching than just wins and losses and each season is unique. If we can help players grow stronger in their faith, graduate, reach their potential, those are all success that have nothing to do with wins and losses. 

How close do you think you are to steering this program in the direction you want and how much closer do you think you'll be to that point by season's end?

We are moving in the right direction, no question. We have a clear vision for this program and will continue to work towards that vision. 

The Bulldogs will play 15 of their first 16 games at Jerry W. Carey Stadium, starting with Saturday and Sunday doubleheaders with Goshen. First pitch for the opening game on both days will be at noon.

Original source can be found here.