By: Camryn Johnson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals welcome fans inside Arvest Ballpark for the first time this Spring for the season opener Thursday night against the Midland Rockhounds.
The preliminary roster for the 2023-24 season was revealed by the Kansas City Royals earlier this week. Shortly after the announcement, the players took the field for the first time as a team. The 28-man list features 21 returning players. But whether faces are new or returning, players like pitcher Jonathan Bowlan said everyone brings something to the table.
“We have tremendous talent. We have guys that have been here and then also guys that have come up that had incredible springs. Looking forward to just seeing what we can put together,” he said.
Pitchers: Danta Biasi, Jonathan Bowlan, Christian Chamberlain, Steven Cruz, Yefri Del Rosario, Jonah Dipoto, Andrew Hoffman, Will Klein, Alec Marsh, Noah Murdock, Walter Pennington, T.J. Sikkema, Anthony Veneziano, Jacob Wallace, Beck Way
Catchers: Jose Briceno, Luca Tresh
Infielders: Robbie Glendenning, Jimmy Govern, Jeison Guzman, Morgan McCullough, Jake Means, Dillan Shrum, Peyton Wilson
Outfielders: Parker Bates, Jorge Bonifacio, John Rave, Tyler Tolbert
Speaking of new faces, the Kansas City Royals named Tommy Shields the Naturals’ manager back in January. Shields has managed 883 games in his 28 year coaching career. Despite the lengthy resume, he said the opening day excitement never goes away – even for him.
“I want us to play well. The kids want to play well. There’ll be some nerves, there’ll be some jitters and some anxiety. Opening day is always fun that way, and I’m sure I’ll have them too,” Shields said.
Now that the team has had the chance to practice together, center fielder John Rave said he has high expectations for the season.
“I thought we had a really good spring training. We’ve got a lot of guys returning this year to this team and I think we’re going to have a really good season. It’s a great group and I think Tommy Shields is going to lead us to a lot of wins this year, so we’re excited.”
Naturals newcomer T.J. Sikkema said more than anything he is ready to get to work. But it may have more to do with the fact that he has been in the area before. Sikkema played his college ball at Mizzou and as a result has pitched against the Razorbacks in Baum-Walker Stadium many times before.
“It was an awesome atmosphere every time. I remember playing those guys all three years I was there, so that was a good experience each time I got to come down here.”
No matter the years of experience under each player’s belt, Shields’ advice remains the same ahead of the new season.
“Words of wisdom for anybody is just put your nose to the grindstone, play hard, work hard, and good things will happen.”
Opening day festivities begin with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. and close with a firework display following the conclusion of the game.