SHAWNEE – Just 50 days remain before Oklahoma Baptist hits the diamond for the 2023 campaign. Under the direction of fourth-year coach
Chris Cox, another talented lineup will hit the field in early February.
"This group had a really good fall season and we're excited to get this thing kicked off in February," Cox said.
"It's a challenging slate, both in conference and in region, but one that this group looks forward to taking on. I feel both the coaching staff and players have done a tremendous job in preparing for the challenges we'll face."
Like a year ago, OBU will open its season at Central Oklahoma's First Pitch Classic between Feb. 3-5. Over those days, the green and gold will face Emporia State, Pittsburg State and UCO.
A week later, the Bison will venture to Arkadelphia, Ark., for another tournament, this one the Henderson State Invitational. From Feb. 10-12, OBU will take on McKendree, Missouri Western State and Newman.
After a mid-week matchup at UCO on Feb. 15, the Bison will begin Great American Conference play with a three-game series at Arkansas Tech on Feb. 17-18. Last May, ATU ended OBU's season in the third game of the GAC Tournament.
OBU's first home GAC series takes place between Feb. 24-25 when Harding pays a visit to Bobby Cox Field at Ford Park. After that, the Bison will once more play Emporia State to close the month of February.
The first weekend in March brings a trip to Alva for a three-game slate against Northwestern Oklahoma State before the Bison return home on March 10-11 against Southeastern Oklahoma State. Those games against SE set up back-to-back home weekends for OBU. On March 17-18, the Boll Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello will be in Shawnee.
Over the remainder of March, the Bison will face UCO (3/21), travel to Southern Arkansas (March 24-25) and visit Durant for a non-conference matchup with Southeastern on the 28th. Finally, OBU will host East Central for three games beginning on the 31st and trickling into the first day of April.
In April, here's how the Bison's schedule stacks up:
Between the 4th and 7th, OBU will welcome Northeastern State for a single game and Southwestern Oklahoma State for three league contests.
A weekend later, another drive to Arkadelphia is on tap to face Ouachita between Apr. 14-15. After that final Arkansas road trip, the Bison will play their final pair of GAC series in Oklahoma.
On the 21st and 22nd, Henderson State and OBU will square off on Bison Hill before the green and gold travel to Southern Nazarene on the final weekend in April.
As for the GAC Tournament, the top eight teams qualify. But this season, seeds 1-4 will host. Whichever teams win the best 2-of-3 series will advance to Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark., between May 11-13.
