CLEVELAND, Ga. (January 25, 2024) – The Truett McConnell University baseball team is set to open their 2024 season on Friday, where the Bears will travel to face Faulkner University in a non-conference match-up.
 
Baseball had a thrilling 2023 season with an overall record of 34-16, 17-10 AAC, setting a new record for overall wins in a season. The Bears were the fourth seed heading into the AAC Tournament, where they concluded their season after falling to No. 5 Union College, the 2023 AAC Tournament Champions and Tennessee Wesleyan University, the 2023 AAC Regular Season Champions.  
 
The Bears had three players earn AAC postseason awards, including senior Mikal Mascarello on the All-Conference Second Team, with 16 Bears earning AAC All-Academic Honors and 12 Bears earning NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors.
 
Graduate student Tanner Griffith led the way offensively for the Bears with a .354 batting average, .457 slugging percentage, featuring 39 RBIS, 62 hits and 57 runs. Griffith also led the way defensively with a .953 fielding percentage and 152 assists. Amongst the core group of returners for TMU are seniors Ethan Roberts, Caleb Ramsey and Caleb Johnson. TMU will be welcoming 14 incoming Bears to the program.
 
"The 2024 team has a lot of returners from last year," said Head Coach Mike Croley. "We also have added a number of newcomers and look forward to seeing how the team competes and improves throughout the season."
 
This Friday's game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start time, followed by a double-header on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., to conclude the season-opening series. The Bears home-opener is scheduled for Friday, February 2, at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., followed by a double-header on Saturday, February 3, at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
 
Keep up with the Bears throughout their 2024 season here on tmbears.com or follow us on Facebook (@TMUBears), Instagram (@TMUBears) and Twitter (@TMUBears).