Even though The University of Alabama will always be considered a “football school,” there are some sports that will always hold a special place in the hearts of Alabama fans, and fans of sports in general.

Every year, teams like gymnastics and softball provide the same taste of success as football. More recently, sports like men’s and women’s golf have provided a fresh air of excitement, as both have been realized as national powers. And of course, head coach Anthony Grant is always going to garner support and excitement from the school’s basketball fans.

Another sport that will always generate excitement, especially at such a sports-minded school like Alabama, is baseball. And 2013 should give cause for excitement for fans.

After a dismal 21-34 season in 2012, the baseball team enters this season with the idea of a fresh start on its mind. Indeed, the Tide has already outpaced itself from last season’s beginning in which it opened the season on a three-game losing streak in a home series against Florida Atlantic.

Alabama opened the 2013 season with a sweep of Virginia Military Institute. Not a bad start, especially considering last year’s.

That’s the beauty of sports. The start of every season provides the same opportunity for all competitors, and it appears Alabama is making the best of its opportunity.

At the same time, Alabama entered last season with the same mindset. Which makes this season all the more important for head coach Mitch Gaspard and company. The 2013 season isn’t just an opportunity for the baseball team to rebound from last year. It’s a chance for redemption, not just for the team, but for the fans who follow it as well. A sub-.500 record for any team, any coach can tell you, is simply unacceptable. A sub.-500 team for an Alabama team is even worse. And for a team to experience its worst season since 1994? That’s a tragedy.

This season will mark an opportunity for the Tide to get back to its winning ways. Of course, everyone knows Alabama will have to work to get back to where it was last year. It’ll have to traverse the always-tough Southeastern Conference schedule, and deal with having to replace some pretty significant losses from last year’s team.

One thing that the Tide will have going for it this year, however, is the bad taste left from last year’s season. As terrible as it was for the baseball season last year, it’ll serve the purpose of added motivation for this year’s team.

And for a team that’s trying to overcome the sting of last year’s season, it should prove to be a useful tool. Again, that’s the part of the beauty of sports. Teams coaches and players can make lessons out of everything they experience. They can even turn a sub-par season into a chance for redemption.

Leading in today’s Crimson White:

Tide softball dominates La Quinta tournament with 5 wins

Tennis team beats Washington; keeps improving, getting hotter

Alabama gymnastics team earns 106th consecutive victory over Auburn