Coach: Marc Fortin (21st year)

Conference: MVC Class: C South

Last year’s record: 16-3, lost in regional final

Returning players: Juniors — Bennett Brooks (3B/SS/P), Matt Ingram (C/P), Jacob Hickey (P/SS), Antonio Meucci (1B/P/C), Spencer Steele (2B), Connor Perkins (LF), Zac Robertson (1B/P), Hunter Hamlin (P); Sophomore — Greg Fay (OF).

Key losses: Ben Allen (P/CF), Matt Sekerak (P/LF), Mario Meucci (3B), Adam Hachey (2B), Dakota Carter (C), Ben Caprara (RF), Joe Fay (UT).

Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Cameron Gaghan (UT), Carson Camick (UT); Freshmen — Jackson Ladd (P/OF), Maguire Anaszewski (C), Cameron Wood (P), Eben Thomas (UT), Sam Figueroa (3B), Dylan Boynton (UT).

Season outlook: Winthrop goes from having seven seniors on its roster to none. The Ramblers also must find some hits. Everyone in the starting lineup batted above .300 a year ago, but six of those players are gone. Brooks, Ingram, Hickey and Meucci played full-time roles a year ago, and Steele is back after missing most of the season with an arm injury. Hickey is the most experienced pitcher. There may be some growing pains, but the Ramblers have the talent to contend in the MVC and should be a dangerous opponent in June.