Jared Reaves is entering his second and final year at Alabama. Last year, Reaves excelled for Alabama coming out of Southern Union Community College, starting all 63 games at shortstop for the Tide. Where Reaves saw the most success, however, was at the plate. He led the team in doubles and RBIs with 22 and 47, respectively. His 22 doubles rank fourth in a single season at Alabama.
Reaves also ranked second in six other offensive categories, including average (.340), slugging percentage (.498), on-base percentage (.406), runs (51), hits (82) and walks (24). Reaves led Alabama in multi-RBI games with 15 and tied Taylor Dugas for the team lead in multi-hit games with 29.
Crimson White: How do you think this team is going to do this year?
Jared Reaves: I think, defensively throughout the field, we’re experienced, we’re an older team. And we have a lot of good, young arms on the mound. It’s going to be fun.
CW: How excited are you about this season?
JR: This is my last go around here. I’m a senior. And a lot of position players are seniors out here. And I just think, as a whole, we’re wanting to make this special. And I think the freshmen understand that. Just talent-wise, we’re real excited. My roommate, Jon Kelton, says this is the most depth he’s ever seen in a team, and he’s been here five years, so that right there just alone gets me excited.
CW: Do you think you have the talent to go out and do what your team wants to do this year?
JR: Yes, I believe so. With the new arms we have, I’m not kidding when I say those freshmen have a lot of talent. They can do it. And defensively, and throughout the field, and hitting-wise, it’s going to be a totally new look from last year.
CW: How much improvement can we see from your team from last year?
JR: Well, pitching-wise, we lost some good pitchers from last year, and they were very talented. But we got young arms, and as far as field-wise, we have more experience and more depth. Adding Kenny Roberts and [AJ Cole] at third, those are big keys in our lineup.
CW: What kind of growth can we see from you as an individual from last season?
JR: Just being able to run the infield more. I mean, last year was my first year. Obviously, the speed of the game was a little bit faster than [junior college]. This year, just being able to take charge more, what’s expected and what’s expected of me. And just being more of a leader, especially to AJ on the left side of the field, with him being a freshman.
CW: How about some improvements at the plate?
JR: Just going to try to do what was done last year. Obviously, there’s more improvement and I expect more of myself, and [I will] continue to drive in runs.
CW: What’s your favorite part about playing for Alabama baseball?
JR: I mean, for one, we get to put the “A” on our chest, Alabama. Two, our coaching staff is unbelievable. I believe, hands down, they’re the best staff in America.
CW: What’s the ultimate goal of this team?
JR: Omaha. It’s been since ’99 since this team’s went. And two years ago, in the Super Regional, they were one pitch away. But we think we have the team to do so, and I’m sure the next two or three years will wind up looking very good for them too.
Last weekend, Jared Reaves batted .364 overall in the Tide’s three losses to the FAU Owls.
