By: Eric SanInocencio
SEC Digital Network
Hoover, Ala. -- Today officially begins SEC Baseball "Opening Week", as we celebrate the start of the 2012 season. Monday brought a plethora of events, including the opportunity to talk face-to-face with players and coaches from the state of Alabama. Alabama Baseball "Media Day" is a yearly attraction, allowing for coverage of the state's programs in one setting.
The event is hosted by Regions Park, which will also host the SEC Baseball Tournament later this spring. The Michael Jordan room, which usually serves as a hospitality area for the SEC's games, was transformed into an interview room on this day, complete with tables and a backdrop for media to interview those in attendance.
The SEC Digital Network made the trip, as we got the chance to experience a true start to the 2012 baseball season.
The Presenting Sponsors
This event is done in conjunction with the Alabama Sports Writers Association. As you can see below, the banner is hung along the center wall during the festivities.
The Alabama Table
For each team that travels to take part in media day, they are assigned a table for the duration of the event. Here's a photo of Alabama's section, with head coach Mitch Gaspard and his players seated. You can also see Sean Cartell (
@SEC_Sean), who is posing a few questions to the Crimson Tide coach.
An Iron Bowl Smile
The demeanor of this event is pretty laid back, with media, coaches and players all flowing through the room as it happens. You often catch the coaches chatting with each other, talking about the upcoming season and enjoying a few seconds to catch up. In this picture, Alabama and Auburn share a smile, as Gaspard and Tiger coach John Pawlowski pose for a photo. Also pictured is SEC Associate Commissioner Charles Bloom, who serves as the conference liaison to the league's coaches group.
Ready For A Closeup
In addition to the print media in attendance, many TV stations were on hand. In this photo, Alabama's Taylor Dugas is being interviewed, as several local affiliates get his thoughts on the 2012 season.
The Auburn Report
Next it was time for Auburn's Pawlowski to answer a few questions, as he spoke with a few TV reporters about the Tigers prospects heading into the new year.
Gaspard's Thoughts
Alabama's Gaspard was a popular guy on Monday, and here he is talking with the same reporters his player Dugas dealt with earlier. Gaspard commented that although his Crimson Tide team is young, he is excited about the talent on the roster.
