Mix of old and new for Xavier baseball squad in 2024

NEW ORLEANS – The Xavier University of Louisiana Baseball program is looking to take an important step forward in 2024.

The Gold Rush finished 16-25 last season but return key players that could lead them to another winning campaign like their first season in 2021.

Xavier has a good mix of veterans, transfers and newcomers.

The Gold Rush are led by senior third baseman and pitcher Deionte Norris (.308 avg. – 48 Hits – 3 Home Runs – 20 RBIs), sophomore infielder Cohen Boyd (.304 avg. – 31 Hits – 15 RBIs- 20 Stolen Bases) and senior pitcher Kimani Davis.

“We been working hard, the guys are really excited and ready to get at it. We’re going to be solid defensively and we’ll hit the ball well. If our pitching holds up, we should have another successful year,” said Xavier Baseball Head Coach Adrian Holloway.

The Gold Rush newcomers of note include Nunez transfer shortstop Alex Crews and Central Alabama CC transfer Zion Morris, a two-way performer in the outfield and the bullpen.

Xavier has some interesting freshmen like Alan Velez, a highly skilled infielder who has a very strong arm and swings a good bat. Third baseman Keyshawn Wright is a big guy with a lot of power who can also handle defensive duties. Pitcher Tyler Patterson is athletic with a strong arm in the bullpen.

Xavier will have big non-conference matchups against Loyola, Dillard and Southern University of New Orleans and NCAA Division I Southeastern Louisiana. The Red River Athletic Conference is a deep conference with LSU Shreveport as the team to beat this season.

The Gold Rush face a challenge this season for home games wince they will not be using Westley Barrow Stadium. The majority of their home games will be played at Northshore High School in Slidell.

“With growth comes adversity. We encourage our guys to keep your head to the ground, keep grinding, control the controllable, and everything else will fall in place,” Holloway said. “We’re taking Xavier Baseball on a tour and show the world what we have to offer. It’s going to be good for recruiting so the kids can see what Xavier Baseball has to offer.”

Xavier will open the season on the road Friday, Feb. 2 against Tougaloo. The Gold Rush’s home and Red River Athletic Conference opener will be Friday, Feb. 16 against Jarvis Christian at Northshore.