Cavalier Corner

April 2017

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BY MIKE SCANDURA T WO SEASONS AGO, THE University of Virginia be- came the first Atlantic Coast Conference team in 60 years to capture the College World Series — which also was the first national baseball championship in school history. When the Cavaliers began the current season, a grand total of 55.9 percent (19 of 34) of the players either were first-years or second-years. That number alone underscores the im- portance of two Cavaliers in particular, redshirt fourth-year catcher/first baseman Robbie Coman and third-year center fielder/ pitcher Adam Haseley. Coman, in particular, is being counted on to provide leadership as well as put up com- mensurate stats. "I think he's been a leader in our clubhouse for a few years," head coach Brian O'Connor said of Coman. "Now that he's a senior states- man, it's all different forms of leadership. Younger players look to him in terms of how to carry themselves and to ask for advice. "I see him having conversations with young players, talking about how to do it the right way. When it comes from a player like Robbie, it can have a bigger impact." Coman admittedly has embraced the leadership role O'Connor expected of him. "If they have something they need, I'm approachable whether it's with classwork or baseball," Coman said. "Anything I can help them out with I will give them my two cents. Certainly you want to be able to help them handle their own things. "I can offer my experiences with what I think. Complimenting kids is important. This is a tough sport, and kids aren't used to fail- ing. I think it's important to praise them when they do things well to build up their confi- dence, which enables them to get better." Coman's contributions on the field are just as important as those off the field (or in the dugout as the case may be). Through the Cavaliers' first 29 games, Coman was hitting .363 with three home runs and 14 RBI. What makes those stats even more im- pressive is the amount of time Coman's spent on the disabled list. He missed the Coman was hitting .363 with three home runs and 14 RBI through 29 games this season, plus has contributed invaluable leadership to the Cavaliers' younger players. PHOTO BY KELSEY GRANT/COURTESY UVA DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY Catcher Robbie Coman And Pitcher/Outfielder Adam Haseley Set The Tone For The Cavaliers 22 ◆ CAVALIER CORNER

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