TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida State University (FSU) baseball program made a statement this season, bouncing back from last year's struggles. The well-respected Seminoles completely turned it around this season, finishing as runners-up in the ACC and making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Part of that turnaround came from some key additions to the team—Jacksonville natives.
"Daniel's an everyday player and Hults is one of our biggest guys out of the bullpen," said Alex Lodise, FSU shortstop from Bartram Trail.
First baseman Daniel Cantu graduated from Creekside High School, as did left-hand pitcher Connor Hults. Lodise attended Bartram Trail. When they play together, success follows.
"They bring their best version to work every day," said FSU head baseball coach Link Jarrett, highlighting their maturity and physicality.
All three are in their first season at FSU after transferring from their previous schools. They said FSU was always the dream growing up, and it’s still setting in.
"I never thought I'd be here wearing these colors, so every day is a blessing that I get to put on garnet and gold," said Cantu.
"Walking in the field sometimes, I'll walk in from center field and look at the place and it's like, 'Wow, I'm really playing here. I really get to play for Florida State,'" said Lodise.
"When I'm walking around the field sometimes, and kind of look around and cherish everything, I realize like, 'Man, this is awesome,'" said Hults.
Lodise appreciates what his hometown gave to him and knows there's much more to come.
"To see all the good talent and to say that I'm from there and played against all these guys, I think playing against each other made everyone a little bit better," Lodise said.
Hults hopes to give back to where it all started.
"Coaching camps, or coaching kids, giving lessons. Whatever it is, we're always willing to give back to our community because those people brought us up from the bottom," Hults said.
They hope they can bring some more hardware to FSU during their journey.