News Summary
Jacksonville University baseball players Richard Long and Chandler Howard have been honored on the Preseason All-ASUN Team for the upcoming 2025 season. Long has been named ASUN Preseason Pitcher of the Year, following an impressive season in 2024 with an 8-2 record. Meanwhile, Howard, selected as a designated hitter, showcased his offensive prowess with a .347 average and 38 RBIs last season. As the Dolphins prepare for their season opener against West Virginia, excitement builds among fans and players alike.
Jacksonville University Baseball Players Shine with Preseason Honors
Exciting times are ahead for baseball fans in Jacksonville as two talented players from Jacksonville University have made waves by being recognized on the Preseason All-ASUN Team for the much-anticipated 2025 season. With the season just around the corner, these honors have fans buzzing with excitement and hope for what’s to come on the field!
A Pitching Sensation: Richard Long
Stepping onto the mound with unwavering confidence, Richard Long has been named the ASUN Preseason Pitcher of the Year. This recognition marks his second career All-ASUN selection, and it’s no surprise considering his incredible performance during the 2024 season. Long, a senior right-handed pitcher, showcased his skills with an impressive 8-2 record and a solid 3.80 ERA over 83.0 innings pitched. That’s quite the accomplishment!
Even more impressive is the way Long kept hitters at bay, limiting opponents to a mere .221 batting average. He struck out a total of 62 batters while maintaining composure with 28 walks. The highlight of his season? A season-high of 11 strikeouts in a triumphant matchup against Queens, alongside two complete games. To top it off, he went completely undefeated in ASUN play with a remarkable 7-0 record. His previous accolades include being named a second-team All-ASUN performer, a testament to his standout abilities.
Long’s ability to command the mound with his four pitches makes him a formidable presence. Teams going against him are in for a challenge as he continues to refine his game and lead the Dolphins into the upcoming season!
Power Hitting from Chandler Howard
Joining Long in the spotlight is Chandler Howard, who has been unanimously selected as a designated hitter for the preseason All-ASUN team. After a stellar previous season where he posted a .347 batting average, Howard was a force at the plate, accumulating a remarkable .456 on-base percentage and a dynamic .568 slugging percentage. With nine doubles, five home runs, and an impressive 38 RBIs, he truly became a key asset to the team.
Howard’s prowess was evident as he recorded 11 multi-hit games and contributed to 10 multi-RBI games throughout the season. There were standout moments, including a thrilling four-RBI game against Central Arkansas and multiple three-hit performances against formidable opponents like Austin Peay and Queens. His conference play statistics also revealed a notable .356 batting average with a .463 on-base percentage across 29 games, making him a vital component to the team’s offense.
A Promising Season Ahead
As the Dolphins gear up for their season opener, they find themselves ranked fifth in the ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll with a total of 94 points. The competition is fierce, with Stetson leading the pack at 140 points and claiming eight first-place votes, closely followed by FGCU with 123 points and one first-place vote. With such a competitive conference, every game will be critical.
Fans can mark their calendars for February 14, when Jacksonville University opens the season with a thrilling four-game series against the nationally ranked No. 21 West Virginia. The first pitch is set for 6:00 p.m., and it promises to be an electrifying start to what is anticipated to be an exhilarating season for Jacksonville University baseball.
With Long on the mound and Howard at the plate, there’s plenty to look forward to this season at Jacksonville University. Let’s rally behind our Dolphins and cheer them on as they make waves in the ASUN!
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville University News
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- MLB.com – Jumbo Shrimp
- Jacksonville Sports News
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Google Search: Jacksonville University Baseball
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
