Watch: 2023 Louisville Baseball Media Day

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - College baseball is just four days away from making its triumphant return.

On Monday, Louisville held the 2023 edition of their annual Media Day at Jim Patterson Stadium, near the campus of the University of Louisville. The Cardinals are set to begin their upcoming season with a three-game weekend series against Bucknell, with game one set for Friday, Feb. 17 at 3:00 p.m. EST.

"I love our options, I love our talent," head coach Dan McDonnell said. "But, like most years, we want to play this out and take these first eight games at home to give guys the opportunities, that have earned the right, to get the opportunity. Then, just see how the season gets off, and see who gets hot, and who plays well."

After missing the NCAA Tournament in 2021, Louisville was able to get back on track in 2022, making the Big Dance with an appearance in the Super Regional round, re-establishing themselves as a national powerhouse in college baseball. Unlike this time last year, heading into the 2023 season, the buzz is back surrounding the Cardinals.

Amongst the six major college baseball preseason polls, Louisville is ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation, are were voted by the ACC's head coaches as the co-favorites with Wake Forest to win the league. The Cardinals also have a pair of preseason All-Americans in catcher/designated hitter Jack Payton and shortstop Christian Knapczyk.

"Meeting with my coaches, we talked about all the options we have position player wise, we talked about the scenarios with our pitching staff," McDonnell said. "Honestly, it's a good feeling to know that we've got a lot of versatile players, both position player wise and pitchers on the mound that have done a little bit everything."

Below are the videos from McDonnell's media day press conference, as well as select players from the team:

Head Coach Dan McDonnell

Left-Handed Pitchers Tate Kuehner, Riley Phillips

Catcher Jack Payton, Shortstop Christian Knapczyk, Second Baseman Logan Beard

(Photo of Dan McDonnell, Louisville Players: Scott Utterback - Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK)

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