FSU Baseball: Cal Raleigh is key to another College World Series trip

It remains to be seen who will step up for FSU baseball in 2018. Their success could hinge on a bounce-back season from Cal Raleigh.

Head Coach Mike Martin has led the FSU Baseball team to the NCAA tournament in each of his 38 seasons. Unfortunately, the Noles have never won a National Championship. In fact, they haven’t made back-to-back trips to Omaha (1994-1996) in over two decades.

After finishing third in the country with 82 RBI in 2017, senior first baseman Quincy Nieporte was selected by the Phillies in the 26th round of the MLB Draft. The offense also graduated two other team-leaders.

Dylan Busby (78 hits and 15 home runs) and Taylor Walls (82 runs scored) were taken within nine selections of each other in the 2017 MLB Draft. Busby (Pirates) went 88th overall while Walls (Rays) was the 79th selection. It remains to be seen who will step up for the Seminoles in 2018. Their success could hinge on a bounce-back season from Cal Raleigh.

As a freshman, Raleigh posted a .301/.412/.511 slash line while playing in 63 games. His sophomore campaign was a bit of a struggle. The batting average dropped 74 points and he had nine fewer hits, despite playing in six more games. Many college athletes enter their junior season simply excited about an opportunity to play – not Raleigh.

Martin will be relying on Raleigh to lead this team in more than just games played.

Veteran Leadership – Youthful Exuberance

Entering his third year as a starter, Raleigh will join fellow-junior Jackson Lueck as the veterans of this offense. Sure, each of them have things to improve upon. But for this team to be successful, which in Tallahassee is defined by trips to Omaha, the 6’3” 225 lb catcher needs to show that 2017, not 2016, was the fluke.

Before the dust had settled on the 2017 College World Series, the folks at Baseball America were already suggesting that fans book flights for 2018. Led by the “star power” of Raleigh, Lueck, and JC Flowers, Martin could finally take home a championship.

Here’s an excerpt from Baseball America,

"They will have to contend with some key losses in the infield, as second baseman Matt Henderson, shortstop Taylor Walls and third baseman Dylan Busby will all depart, as will DH Quincy Nieporte. All-Freshman first baseman Drew Mendoza will move across the diamond to fill one of the holes on the left side of the infield, and getting a full, healthy season out of him will be a boost for Florida State.The Seminoles also bring back outfielders J.C. Flowers and Jackson Lueck and catcher Cal Raleigh. On the mound, Florida State returns its rotation of Tyler Holton, Drew Parrish and Cole Sands intact. Florida State looks to have a complete roster, and coach Mike Martin will have a chance to break the career wins record next season and win the national championship that has eluded him for so long."

Keep an Eye On

Early indications are that Raleigh is ready to go in 2018. Last Thursday afternoon, he led Team Garnet to a 7-2 victory in Game 1 of the Garnet vs Gold series.

After battling injuries last year, Drew Mendoza returns healthy in 2018 and will slide over to third base to replace the departed Busby. After missing 26 games with a broken thumb, Mendoza belted 10 home runs in his 43 starts. At 100% health, he gives FSU fans a lot to be excited about.

The Seminoles finished outside the Top 150 in team batting average (.271) last season. They must improve in that department if they plan to play in the midwest next summer.

Next: Top 5 Moments of 2017 FSU Baseball Season

So, while this team lost key contributors, a healthy Mendoza, more disciplined Lueck, and bounce-back Raleigh could replace the lost production and put FSU baseball in position to do something the school has never done.