LAFAYETTE, La. \u2014 The crack of the bat is close. The dirt of the diamond is almost underfoot. Ragin\u2019 Cajun baseball is back as the 2026 season begins to take shape in Lafayette.<\/p>\n
Before the first pitch is thrown, players and coaches came together at the 2026 leadoff banquet \u2014 a pause before the grind, a moment to reflect before the work truly begins.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re at a banquet so that you can meet people,\u201d right-handed pitcher JR Tollett said. \u201cEverybody here is very important to our ball club and is a contributor, and that means a lot to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s built away from the field has already carried over onto it. The bond formed off the diamond is shaping the battles ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want fans to know what they\u2019re going to get,\u201d Tollett said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s a fight. Every game is a battle.\u201d<\/p>\n
For head coach Matt Deggs, each inning is a chance to represent more than just a jersey it\u2019s about trust, consistency, and identity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe talk about leadership a lot in our program, and trust,\u201d Deggs said. \u201cThat trust is knowing what you\u2019re going to get every day. With the Cajun Nation and Cajun people, you can set your watch by it. You know what you\u2019re going to get \u2014 good, hardworking, loyal people. We will be fun to watch. You will get your money\u2019s worth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The wait won\u2019t last long. The Ragin\u2019 Cajuns open the season Friday, Feb. 13, at home against Missouri State at Russo Park, with first pitch set for 2 p.m.<\/p>\n
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