Clemson’s baseball team held its first practice on Friday in preparation for opening day on Feb. 19, and the new season is breeding excitement.

The excitement swarms around all the new aspects the 2016 season brings. For starters, this season will be the first under new head coach Monte Lee. In his short time as the new skipper he has brought new energy that has positively impacted the players.

The brand new players’ facility has also impacted the team in a beneficial way. Players are enjoying their time at Doug Kingsmore even more.

“These guys love spending time together and that is important for building chemistry on your team,” he said.

However, those aren’t the only changes to Clemson’s baseball program. A couple of key playmakers have also swapped positions. The major shift included moving Weston Wilson from third base to second base. Lee referred to the switch as a “domino effect” that caused some other changes along the infield.

Former right fielder Reed Rohlman will now be playing first base as a result. Rohlman is excited for the change, and he looks forward to helping his team out in the new position.

“First base is definitely new to me, but it’s exciting. I’m enjoying it a whole lot,” he said. “I mean outfield was fun, but me and the coaches talked about it and we feel like I could help the team most out at first base this year.”

Rohlman says the move has been in the works for about two years, so it was not a surprise he was asked to play at first, although his only experience playing it came when he was about eight years old in recreation baseball.

“It was difficult at first, but it has gotten a lot better. It is just a whole new mindset,” Rohlman said. “I’m still learning, but I’ll be ready by the new season.”

The most challenging aspect of the new position for Rohlman was learning the little nuances of first base. From the quicker footwork to becoming a cutoff man, he spent a lot of time perfecting his new technique in the off-season.

“We busted our tails this fall, and we’re all excited for this season,” he said.

As for the new coach, Rohlman loves the new vibes Lee has brought to the program, and he says the biggest change he has noticed is in Lee’s approach to hitting.

Clemson’s new head coach puts an emphasis on power hitting, and that is something the players are excited about, especially Rohlman.

“He just wants us to be under control, but very aggressive at the same time. He wants us to recognize our pitches then do as much damage as possible,” Rohlman said. “It doesn’t change my approach very much. I have always liked hitting it early in the count, and he loves that.”

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.