KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the spring season right around the corner, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association released the 2018 Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll on Wednesday (Jan. 31). The Fort Hays State Tigers were picked to finish 13th according to the coaches around the league.

The Tigers finished 13th in the conference standings in 2017, turning in a 10-39 record overall and a 3-33 mark in conference play. Fort Hays State looks to return to postseason play for the first time since 2013 this year with the help of 22 experienced returners and 12 talented newcomers.

Eleven Tigers make up this year’s senior class, including eight players that have been regular starters for FHSU over the last two years. For an in-depth preview of this year’s club, click the window below.

Fort Hays State kicks off the season this weekend with a three-game set against Texas-Permian Basin. The Tigers open things up against the Falcons on Friday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. in Odessa, Texas. FHSU will make its home debut one week later (Feb. 9) when it hosts Newman at Larks Park.

2017 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Emporia State (11) – 143 points
2. Central Missouri (1) – 120 points
3. Central Oklahoma – 118 points
4. Lindenwood – 114 points
5. Missouri Western (1) – 104 points
6. Pittsburg State – 94 points
7. Missouri Southern – 81 points
8. Southwest Baptist – 57 points
T9. Northwest Missouri – 47 points
T9. Washburn – 47 points
11. Northeastern State – 42 points
12. Nebraska Kearney – 31 points
13. Fort Hays State – 16 points