Central Michigan University Athletics
Salmon Era Of CMU Softball Begins Friday In Florida
2/13/2020 6:04:00 PM | Softball
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – A new field general, myriad new faces.
The Central Michigan softball team will open the 2020 season on Friday in Clermont, Fla., marking the debut of McCall Salmon as the Chippewas' coach. Salmon replaces legendary Margo Jonker, who retired in May as one of the sport's giants after a 40-year career at CMU.
"Is there some pressure there?" Salmon said. "I don't think there's so much pressure, but more or less a wanting to do well, to know that what (Jonker) left behind is going to be well taken care of and that we'll continue to build on what she's built in 40 years.
"She's been very connected with the program since she left and I think having that connection with her has been vital to our transition."
The 'new' in the CMU program doesn't end with those in charge. The 20-player roster includes eight freshmen, many of whom will be expected to contribute. The program graduated seven in 2019, including two of three starting outfielders and 75 percent of its starting infield.
Among the top returnees are senior Morgan Gardner, who has been the Chippewas' shortstop since she arrived on campus in 2017, along with junior utility player Shaidan Knapp, infielder/pitcher Shannon Stein, and sophomore catcher Samantha Mills.
Knapp ranked third on the team in 2019 with a .300 batting average, while Stein made a splash in 2019 as a freshman, leading the Chippewas with nine home runs and ranking second on the team with 29 RBI.
Last season, the Chippewas hit .249 as a team, ranking ninth in the 11-team Mid-American Conference, with a league-low 25 home runs.
"Our goal is to drive the ball, hit gaps, put the ball over the fence if we can – make defenses make plays," Salmon said.
Five pitchers, all of whom return, saw action for the Chippewas in 2019. Kaitlyn Bean was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team after finishing 8-7 with a 4.95 earned run averages. Sam Howell, a junior, led the Chippewa mound corps in innings pitched (119 1/3) last season.
"It's been really nice to see how receptive the team has been," Salmon said. "All of them have been extremely coachable and open to change and to any of the new things that we wanted to incorporate. The tradition is rich here; we talked about things that they wanted to continue doing and I think that's important.
"This group is only going to get better every day if we put the work in. They're committed to that; it will be exciting to see how all the pieces come together when we start. I just want to see them compete, every single out, every single inning. I just want to see them give us their all and that's really all we can ask of them."
The Central Michigan softball team will open the 2020 season on Friday in Clermont, Fla., marking the debut of McCall Salmon as the Chippewas' coach. Salmon replaces legendary Margo Jonker, who retired in May as one of the sport's giants after a 40-year career at CMU.
"Is there some pressure there?" Salmon said. "I don't think there's so much pressure, but more or less a wanting to do well, to know that what (Jonker) left behind is going to be well taken care of and that we'll continue to build on what she's built in 40 years.
"She's been very connected with the program since she left and I think having that connection with her has been vital to our transition."
The 'new' in the CMU program doesn't end with those in charge. The 20-player roster includes eight freshmen, many of whom will be expected to contribute. The program graduated seven in 2019, including two of three starting outfielders and 75 percent of its starting infield.
Among the top returnees are senior Morgan Gardner, who has been the Chippewas' shortstop since she arrived on campus in 2017, along with junior utility player Shaidan Knapp, infielder/pitcher Shannon Stein, and sophomore catcher Samantha Mills.
Knapp ranked third on the team in 2019 with a .300 batting average, while Stein made a splash in 2019 as a freshman, leading the Chippewas with nine home runs and ranking second on the team with 29 RBI.
Last season, the Chippewas hit .249 as a team, ranking ninth in the 11-team Mid-American Conference, with a league-low 25 home runs.
"Our goal is to drive the ball, hit gaps, put the ball over the fence if we can – make defenses make plays," Salmon said.
Five pitchers, all of whom return, saw action for the Chippewas in 2019. Kaitlyn Bean was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team after finishing 8-7 with a 4.95 earned run averages. Sam Howell, a junior, led the Chippewa mound corps in innings pitched (119 1/3) last season.
"It's been really nice to see how receptive the team has been," Salmon said. "All of them have been extremely coachable and open to change and to any of the new things that we wanted to incorporate. The tradition is rich here; we talked about things that they wanted to continue doing and I think that's important.
"This group is only going to get better every day if we put the work in. They're committed to that; it will be exciting to see how all the pieces come together when we start. I just want to see them compete, every single out, every single inning. I just want to see them give us their all and that's really all we can ask of them."
Players Mentioned
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