VIDEO: Dalton McLain Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – We start previewing the Carson-Newman baseball team for the upcoming 2024 season by looking at the team's outfielders with help from centerfielder Dalton McLain (Greeneville, Tenn.).

This outfield group is experienced, featuring four seniors, two juniors and a sophomore.

McLain returns after leading Carson-Newman with 29 walks and 12 stolen bases in 2023. The senior was an integral part of C-N's offense, recording the third most hits (48) and third most runs batted in (24). McLain had 10 multi-hit games and had six two-RBI affairs. As the year went on, the Walters State transfer got better, hitting .339 with four doubles and 10 RBIs in the final month of the season.

"Last years' experience will really help a lot," McLain said. "Being around so many experienced guys led to me having a good year last year. Hopefully, I can have an even better year this year."

James Denten (Mt. Prospect, Ill.) was a huge part of the Carson-Newman offense last season. Denten Hit .317 with a .403 on-base percentage in 46 games pounding five homers, 10 doubles and a triple with 31 RBIs and six steals.  He led the club with 16 multi-hit games and was second with seven multi-RBI affairs. Needing his bat in the lineup routinely, Denten makes the move from the infield to the outfield, after primarily playing first base in 2023.

"James looks really good out there," McLain said. "He is getting more and more comfortable with making that transition from first base."

Joining McLain as a regular starter that returns from a year ago is Ryan Potts (Dandridge, Tenn.). He started in 38 of the 48 games, recording 28 hits including seven multi-hit efforts. Spencer Williams (Seymour, Tenn.) also saw time in the lineup, making 15 starts, hitting for a .262 average in his 61 at bats. Despite the lower number of at bats, Williams finished the season with the second best on base percentage of .416.

Sam Astern (Wellington, Fla.) and Luke Goforth (Blacksburg, Va.) will be two guys looking to make an increased impact in 2024. Astern appeared in 19 games, recording two hits in 12 plate appearances. One of those two hits was his first career homer against King on April 19, 2023. Goforth enters his junior season coming off a season where he managed eight hits in 32 at bats, seeing time in 27 games. Ryan Bolton (Knoxville, Tenn.) will also mix into the outfield after redshirting last season.

"They are all older guys that have experience and are mature," McLain said. "I feel really comfortable with those guys. Everyday they come in and give it all they have and want to get better. Very comfortable playing with them and looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this season."

Most of the Southeast region was hit with a winter snowstorm that brought cold temperatures at the beginning of the spring semester. As a result, those inches and inches of snow limited the work that could be done on the field after returning from winter break.

"The coaches have done an excellent job keeping us busy," McLain said. "Helping us take ground balls and more recently in the infield. It's been a tough start but we have found a way to still put good work in."

The second part of the position previews will be released on Sunday with a look at the infield with Trey Miller previewing the unit.