Juniata Baseball Brings Refined Skills and Focus to 2016 Season

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The addition of three new coaches and 10 returning upperclassmen combine to bring veteran experience and fresh insight into Juniata baseball's 2016 season.

The Eagles will be led by first year head coach Adam Sheibley. Sheibley, a 2009 Elizabethtown graduate, brings a wealth of knowledge and history of success to the program. Prior to coming to Juniata, Sheibley was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Shippensburg University for three seasons. While he was with the Raiders, the team went 86-35 and went to the Division II World Series in 2013. 

Tye Levy returns as the associate head coach and the Eagles welcome Matt Young and Matt Baer on as assistant coaches.

"The team has really responded well (to the new staff) and they've just been sponges soaking up what we've thrown out there," Sheibley said. "We couldn't have asked for them to react better than they have so far."

During preseason, the team has been focused on improving their fundamental skills. 

"I expect us to go out and play fundamental baseball," Sheibley said. "Just play hard and play with excitement. Our pitchers have been throwing really well this past week and the guys have been swinging the bats well. I think they'll be able to turn it on and compete when we hit the field for the first time this weekend."

Several of Juniata's top sluggers return to the lineup this season. 

Senior Nick Stubbs (Hagerstown, Md. / South Hagerstown) finished last season with a team-leading .358 batting average and 16 steals. Senior Anthony Lombardo (Altoona, Pa. / Altoona) led the Eagles in RBIs with 24, led the team in extra base hits at eight and recorded a .324 batting average. Sophomore Chris Schreder (Litiz, Pa. / Lancaster Catholic) broke out during his freshman campaign and picked up 20 RBI, 11 stolen bases and finished with a .325 batting average.

A balanced pitching staff consisting of two freshmen, four sophomores, two juniors and three seniors adds depth to the position and flexibility to the lineup.

Looking ahead into the season, Sheibley hopes to see the team further develop their skills and compete in every game.

"The goal is always to be the best team we're physically capable of being," Sheibley said. "Whether we end up in a possible playoff position or not, as long as we do everything we can to be in every game and compete, it will be a successful season."

The Juniata baseball team opens up their 2016 season with weekend doubleheaders against Eastern Mennonite and Bridgewater (Va.). First up is Eastern Mennonite at noon Sat. Feb. 20. They begin Landmark Conference play at their home opener Sat. March 19 against Merchant Marine at 1 p.m.