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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – As the mercury climbs in Northeast Tennessee, the anticipation for the 2026 college baseball season is heating up, and the ETSU Buccaneers are ready to step back onto the field with renewed vigor.
Entering his ninth year at the helm, Head Coach Joe Pennucci is set to lead the Bucs into their season opener this Friday at Thomas Stadium, where they will face Marist College. Following a triumphant 2025 season capped with a Southern Conference championship, ETSU finds itself predicted to finish third in this season’s preseason poll. However, Coach Pennucci remains undeterred, cherishing the fresh start each season brings.
“We’re undefeated right now,” Coach Pennucci quipped. “That’s a great feeling, right? But more importantly, we’re focused on starting strong. Ensuring our players’ health while appreciating the opportunity to train outdoors is key for us.”
Recent weeks of inclement winter weather had kept the team indoors, but the break in the storms finally allowed them to return to the field for practice, an opportunity they embraced wholeheartedly.
“We’ve faced some of the worst weather Tennessee has seen since my high school days back in the ’90s,” Coach Pennucci remarked. “It’s a relief to be out here playing. Competing against other teams is what we’ve been looking forward to. I’ve reminded the players, if the past two weeks are the toughest we face all year, we’re in good shape.”
Junior outfielder Nate Conner said the team has long been counting down to opening day.
“So fired up for it,” Conner said. “I’ve had Friday circled on the calendar for a while and everything we’ve been building for is coming up.”
Fellow junior outfielder Jamie Palmese, a preseason All-SoCon selection, said team chemistry has stood out early in the year.
“We got a really good group of guys this year, and everyone seems to be getting along really well,” Palmese said. “I can only imagine how it’s going to take off when we’re on the field together and competing together every day.”
First pitch for the 2026 Bucs Baseball season is set for Friday afternoon in Johnson City at Thomas Stadium.