As fall settles in, the Waynesburg University baseball team is gearing up for the upcoming season with a focus on both physical development and mental toughness.

Pitching coach Luke Kiger and his staff are using the fall ball period to help players grow on and off the field, with an emphasis on pitcher health and role evaluation.

For pitchers, staying healthy is a top priority. Luke Kiger stresses the importance of arm care and recovery.

“Athletes need to take care of their bodies,” Kiger said.

With the support of the team’s trainers, pitchers follow strict recovery routines, including ice and physical therapy, to ensure they stay in peak condition. Kiger believes that in addition to refining their pitching skills, players must learn to manage their workloads and listen to their bodies to avoid injury.

Balancing skill development with role evaluation is another key aspect of fall ball. Kiger focuses on assessing pitchers’ skills, mental toughness, and adaptability to various situations. 

“We evaluate pitches, mentality, and assess them through the fall,” Kiger said. “This process is especially important for younger pitchers, who are still adjusting to the demands of collegiate baseball.”

Mental toughness is also a major point of focus. In intrasquad games, where the competition isn’t as intense, Kiger uses these moments to evaluate how pitchers react. 

“We want to see if they can throw at a batter and handle the pressure,” Kiger said. 

His goal is to assess how pitchers respond to adversity, even in lower-stakes situations, to prepare them for the more challenging moments of the season.

As the team continues through fall ball, Kiger’s pitchers are building a solid foundation for the upcoming season, focusing on a balanced mix of physical preparation, skill development, and mental resilience. With this approach, Waynesburg aims to set the stage for a successful spring campaign.