Looks like the Hokies are in the ACC Sunday championship game

Congrats to Coach Hughes and his staff on the team's great performance.  It's also a wonderful thing for our in-state guys to have 2 ACC schools to shoot for and to have both of them be in the top half of the conference now, both going to the NCAA's.  These rivalries are best for all concerned when they are true rivalries, where you truly don't know going in who's going to come out on top because both teams are high caliber.

 

I wonder if Tech could actually land a regional for the NCAA.  I also wonder if their defeat of UVA could cost UVA the national seeding that seemed a solid bet just a few days ago.  Surely they'll get a regional but not sure if they will rate in the top 8.

I've watched all 3 of their wins. EvoShield Canes alum, Chad Pinder, is on fire. 3 HR and 8 RBI so far.

I've been very impressed with VT and Pinder in particular (though yesterday's homer was a routine fly ball that the wind carried over the wall). VT has slowly built momentum over the years and they've picked up some big time recruits to help build on their success. Hosting would be huge for them if it happens.

UVA is presently no. 3 in the RPI.  I think they are solidly a national seed.  Tech meanwhile, has moved up to no. 11.  A regional host looks to be very possible at this point.  

 

ACC with 6 of the top 16 at this time.

Looks like whoever VT plays tomorrow will come in a bit tired!

It is about time.  I realize Hughes and VT have had to deal with the talent recruiting vacuum in Charlottesville over the last 4-5 years.  It is good to see someone else in the Commonwealth get some success at beating the ACC big boys.  This ACC championship game is huge (national implications), and may sway a recruit or two or three to seriously consider Blacksburg (and those ugly uniforms!).  Go Hokies!

Does anyone have any thoughts about the weather in Blacksburg as it relates to beseball development / recruiting / successes?

Pitchout,

 

I've read your question 5x and still don't understand what you are asking.  The weather?  its cold in the winter and warmer in the spring. They have an indoor facility. I'm not sure how weather impacts development. Help me here? 

Well yes cold, and much more precipitation in relation to even Richmond or C'ville typically...Do you think it affects recruits decisions; or affects things when it may be uncomfortable a lot more often than in other locations...?

 

I know they have the turf now which helps the snow melt quicker and able to play on more immediately... I do think we have had some pretty fortunate winters in the last few years...

But all in all do you think the normal winter weather hinders Tech in any way vs similar schools in a bit milder climates... ?   And does it possibly lend to them coming out of the box a bit slower?

 

 

Overall, there is little statistical difference in precipitation and temperature between Blacksburg and Charlottesville. However, in the month of January, there is a higher level of precipitation in Blacksburg, so much so that I've come to understand that potential recruits are evaluated by their projected degree of buoyancy, or in VT vernacular, the prospect's moisture defense mechanism. Just as the 60 is timed, arm strength and bat speed are measured, so is the amount of moisture that the prospect can withstand.

 

Now you would think that this would be somewhat of an intrusive examination. Far from it. When VT runs their camps, they hose down all the players before their 60s are timed. Lo and behold, there is a VT-engineered algorithm that incorporates height, weight, moisture and time to come up with an overall score.

 

Surprisingly, and for some odd reason, prospects from the Commonwealth do not score well in this weighted exam, which could be a reason why VT reaches out beyond state borders.

Fenway:  (and those ugly uniforms!)

 

I laughed when I saw this.  My wife says she cannot understand why I care about uniforms but honestly, VT could use a makeover.  Though who knows, the kids probably like 'em, same as with Oregon football or something.

Am rooting for Tech today, though more of a Hoo fan... and like seeing Tech garner some great in state recruits, especially in the Richmond/Midlo area...

pitchout31,

 

IMHO most of the questions you are asking are only relative to the baseball athletes that VT recruits or will recruit in the future.  There roster is VA, northeast, with some mid-west, southeast and CA sprinkled in there.  So, based upon there current roster they are competing for ACC talent that might otherwise be interested in mostly BC, and UVA.   I think they would look at Blackburg as favorable.   MD is off to greener pastures in the Big 10, and I haven't heard anything about Syracuse fielding a baseball team.  So, I truthfully don't see the weather issue being a big one in terms of recruiting or put another way.....the coaches don't have to overcome it when they are selling the school to the recruit.

 

However, their new artificial turf & indoor facilities is huge selling point over UVA and BC's less than stellar field.  Again, my opinion.  My son played on VT's new field last year in late March, and said it was fantastic.   This is going to be a program on the rise if they can keep the VA recruiting pipeline going, and take some recruits that otherwise would have committed to UVA.

They don't have a problem getting in practices between the indoor hitting facilty and indoor track facility.  The hitting facility nets can be raised to take infield on the indoor turf.  In fact for the last three years my son has actually gone from CA to Blacksburg in January to work out before spring training.  Thanks to the football team, the school has excellent trainers and facilties, which makes a big difference.  My son also played at a west coast D1 that didn't have anywhere near the support VT gives its athletes, on and off the field.