LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Lincoln Saltdogs begin the 2023 season in Chicago next week, and third-year manager Brett Jodie and players met with the media to discuss the upcoming year.
“Yeah, it’s a lot of unproven guys and we’re just really excited to see what we have,” Jodie said. “A lot of evaluation going on, a lot of excitement going on, and like I said, a lot of unknowns. We really need to get some good work in in a short amount of time to see what we have.”
Some familiar faces are back for 2023, including league veteran Nate Samson, back for his ninth season in the American Association and 18th season professionally.
“We have a lot of good guys, and everyone has the same goal right now,” Samson said. “Taking it a pitch at a time, one at-bat at a time, a game at a time. Just having fun with it and seeing what comes of it. I’m very excited to get going with this group of guys.”
The ‘Dogs also feature two former Nebraska baseball players in Josh Roeder and Luke Roskam.
Roeder owns Nebraska’s all-times saves record with 33, having pitched at Haymarket Park collegiately from 2013-2015. After a six-year professional career that included a stop at Triple-A New Orleans (Miami Marlins) in 2019, Roeder returns to his old stomping grounds after missing all of 2022 to injury. “(Monday) was the very first time since I had left that I had stepped foot back in here,” Roeder said. “I just kind of soaked it all in. Took my time, got out here early and all the memories flew right back as soon as I stepped on the field. It’s pretty sweet.”
Roskam also returns after hitting .344 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 18 games with the ‘Dogs at the end of last season. The Minnesota native spent five years at Nebraska from 2017-2021 and hit .266 with 22 homers and 144 RBIs in 200 collegiate games. Roskam was part of the 2021 Big Ten championship team.
“Playing five years of school ball here is always fun,” Roskam said. “Coming back to this field, it’s a great ballpark. I mean you couldn’t ask for anything better. The fans are great, too. Just being involved in the community already and coming back, it’s just nice to be here. It’s like my second home.”
The Saltdogs open the 2023 season on the road versus the Chicago Dogs on May 12th and welcome the Gary Southshore Railcats to Haymarket Park for the home opener on Friday, May 19! Single-game tickets for all 50 home games are on sale now! Reserve your tickets now by calling 402-474-BALL (2255) or order on-line at Saltdogs.com.