Photo Courtesy of AUM Athletics
By: Tasker Wheeler
Auburn University at Montgomery men’s baseball opened their spring season with two losses against Saint Leo University and ended that Florida trip with a win. They then had a midweek matchup against Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama and unfortunately lost 7-12. This means that the team is currently sitting at a 1-3 overall record.
After the tough loss in Birmingham against Miles College, head coach Franklin Bush said “[He’s] frustrated with what we put on the field today.”
Head Coach Franklin added, “We consistently talk about limiting free bases, but we gave away seven walks and two hit-by-pitches. We have to do a better job of making teams earn what they get. Offensively, we need to find some situational hitting. Runners on, two outs, we have to stay on the attack, execute, and use the tools in our toolbox. We will get back to work tomorrow and prepare for the weekend.”
Tyrese Rooks, a junior transfer from Bishop State Community College,, gave some insight about the games against Saint Leo University. “The first two games at Saint Leo didn’t go fully as planned but I feel that there is a positive out of every negative. Life is all about perspective and hardships you go through can always leave room for learning and growth,” Rooks said.
The outfielder talked about the importance of his mindset going into the first home games this coming weekend against Embry Riddle University saying“just to be good energy for my team and to be completely present. We have a very good ball club and when we click on all cylinders, we will be very tough to beat. I’m most excited to represent AUM in a positive way and give AUM fans a reason to fill the seats.”
After mentioning the significance of this weekend’s games, he spoke on goals. Rooks said, “My goals personally for this year is to be a leader on and off the field. I have a very big voice and I want to be a leader for my team in a positive way through my words and actions. As a team our goal is to get better each and every day. Showing up to the field and taking advantage of every opportunity. Bigger picture, our goal is to win a Gulf South Conference championship plain and simple.”
The Warhawk baseball player touched deeper on his motivation. “What motivates me to be at my best every time I step on the field is my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I am a man of faith and to be healthy and able to play this game every day is enough to keep my gas tank full. My parents are also a big impact when it comes to motivating me to be the best man I can be on and off the field.”
Lastly, the Mobile native spoke on how he made the final decisions of him becoming a Warhawk. “The recruiting process was very tricky for me. Various schools showed interest in me but none fully invested in me the way Franklin Bush did. He believed in me when no other coach did and I cannot thank him enough for the opportunity he presented to me. Along with Coach Bush, Jesus Christ had a very huge impact on my decision to attend AUM. Lots of prayers went into this decision and looking back I am 100% confident I made the right choice. I am a firm believer in right place at the right time and there was no better time or place than right now at AUM.”
Wishing the Warhawks and Tyrese Rooks the best of luck this weekend, follow the AUM Men’s Baseball team on X (@AUMWarhawksBSB) or you can visit AUMAthletics.com or watch the games live.