OMAHA, Neb. —The saying is if you build it, they will come. After years of anticipation, the University of Nebraska Omaha baseball team will finally have a new place to call home this season and beyond.  

“It’s wonderful I drive by it just about every day; it’s just amazing to see the progress that’s been made,” Mavericks baseball coach Evan Porter said.

The Mavericks were riding momentum last season, winning six straight games and having a record of 10-4 before their season was cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Porter said having veteran leadership will be key for the Mavericks starting a new season in the middle of a pandemic and building off last season’s success.

“This season, more than any other one, it’ll have its ups and downs, but there will be different battles we face as a team,” Porter said. “Having some older guys be able to keep spirits up and lead by example those things will be helpful going into the season.”  

The Mavericks will only be able to use 50% of their team on a week-to-week basis during Summit League conference play this season to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Each player will have to be tested 48 hours before a series when the Mavericks travel on the road during non-conference play.

“Just be due diligent,” Porter said. “Stay out of situations where you’re going to put yourself in risk of catching the virus because ultimately that puts our whole program and team at risk.”

 After nearly a year away from in-game action, senior infielder Breyden Eckhout said he’s ready to return to the field.

“It’s just felt like it’s been a lifetime since we’ve been just playing a game of baseball, and I can tell you that it’s something I’m looking forward to more than Christmas morning,” Eckhout said.  

The Mavericks will open the season Feb. 19 in a four-game series with the Oregon Ducks. The first game at Tal Anderson Field is scheduled for March 5 vs. the Creighton BlueJays.

It’s something I’m looking forward to more than Christmas morning

UNo senior infielder Breyden eckhout