June 6, 2013
The 2013 Vanderbilt baseball team is one that boasts a strong senior class, to which much of the team’s success can be attributed. However, Zander Wiel, Xavier Turner, and Carson Fulmer have shown that freshmen too can be a driving factor in the team’s achievements.
For most incoming freshman athletes, there is an adjustment period that takes place to become acquainted with the speed and talent seen at the collegiate level. One look at the contributions from Vanderbilt’s league-leading three selections to the All-SEC Freshman Team would suggest otherwise, as their transitions appear seamless.
2012 Major League Draft picks Turner and Fulmer were highly recruited and had the potential to make an immediate impact on the team. Despite their impressive high school pedigree, they do not feel pressure to perform.
“We come out everyday and work hard,” says Fulmer “and just let the achievements come by themselves.” The right-handed pitcher has proven to be a star reliever in the postseason, earning an impressive win against Illinois in the NCAA Regional and furthering his record to 3-0 for the season.
To many first-year players the achievements don’t come as naturally, and they aren’t able to make the quick transition from the high school to college game. “The pace of the game is a lot faster, the pitchers are a lot better, and everything is a step quicker,” says Turner whose diving stop in the top of the fourth inning in the final game of the NCAA Regional, exemplified that he too could be a step ahead.
Turner credits his jam-packed summer schedule with the Midland Redskins, as its 60 games resembled what he would face in the college season. The third baseman has been a force both offensively and defensively, batting over .300 for the majority of the season as a constant in the two-spot of the lineup.
All three players recognize the team itself as the main reason for their success. “In high school you have one or two good players on each team but here we have a roster full,” says Fulmer. The quality of Vanderbilt’s roster has the ability to surround first-year players and propel them to the next level.
The All-SEC Freshman credits this season’s astounding senior leadership for helping them throughout the season. “It [the seniors’ leadership] was a huge thing for all of us. Coming in here we didn’t really know what to expect and having them throw us under their wingâ€â€Âthey helped us through everything we needed,” says Fulmer.
Wiel, a redshirt freshman designated hitter, found his swing later in the season, coming off the bench in April to hit two home runs, score four runs, and drive in five in his first-ever start against Georgia. He has remained a staple in the lineup ever since.
“Basically, they just stuck me in there one day,” Wiel notes. “I got my opportunity and I just wanted to do my best with it. Everyone was really encouraging. And so I didn’t feel any pressure, it was just a smooth comfortable fit.”
The DH also points to the seniors for his notable transition. “It’s a really welcoming atmosphere, so I think all the younger guys and the guys who are less experienced feel really comfortable.”
Turner may have worded it best. “They make me feel like one of their brothers,” he says.
The Commodores’ freshmen have stepped up to the plate in an undeniable way this season. They do not play or act like freshmen, as the maturity exemplified by the seniors and the players who are more experienced have certainly rubbed off on them. The trio has overcome the uncertain nature that accompanies freshmen when transitioning to the college game. When first-year players are able to make an immediate impact, it is not just a testament to their athletic ability, but to the entire atmosphere surrounding the VandyBoys.
