By Pete Pelegrin
Twitter: @Petepelegrin
 
With more than half of its roster comprised of new players the FIU baseball team has such a different look this coming season that you might need to hand out "Hello, My Name is" stickers at the FIU ballpark. Since there are so many new faces, from now until Opening Day on Feb. 16 when Missouri comes to town for a three-game series, we'll profile the newest Panthers as well as the returning FIU ballplayers.
 
WILL SAXTON, LHP/1B, Freshman
 
What were you doing last baseball season?

WS: I was playing at Lake Highland Prep in Orlando. I pitched and played first base. I had 92 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched that was probably my best stat.

What is your best baseball experience?

WS: Playing for the Orlando Scorpions summer league team. We ended up winning the BCS national championship in Fort Myers. We got rings and I'm still friends with a lot of those guys today. I loved being a part of that team.

Give me an example of something that makes baseball such a great game.

WS: Mike Piazza's home run that gave the Mets a 3-2 lead over the Braves in New York in the first game after 9/11. You could see the excitement in New York. That goes to show you that this game is more than about ourselves. Baseball has a huge impact on people off the field. Baseball made a city and a nation come together in that moment.



Tell me something away from baseball about you that someone might find interesting?

WS: I love to play basketball. I played in my senior year of high school. I'm learning how to cook from one of my roommates, Austin Shenton. Salmon, chicken, steaks. We cook everything. I'm also very involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and in my church here and back home.

FIU coach Mervyl Melendez says about Saxton:

"Saxton will be used as a first baseman and left-handed pitcher. Mostly a left-handed specialist but he will see considerable time at first base."
 
2018 FIU PANTHERS
Logan Allen
Diandre Amion
Seth Cannady
Derek Cartaya
Steven Casey
Frank Chacon
Adan Fernandez
Jose Garcia
Andrew George
Christian Khawam
Kobe Lopez
Nick MacDonald
Tyler Myrick
Andres Nunez
Davy Phrathep
Chandler Raiden
Austin Shenton
Eddie Silva
Juan Teixeira
Javier Valdes