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Watch: Arizona Wildcats talk new Terry Francona Hitting Center, upcoming season, Jerry Kindall
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Editor's Pick

Watch: Arizona Wildcats talk new Terry Francona Hitting Center, upcoming season, Jerry Kindall

  • Jan 26, 2018
  • Jan 26, 2018 Updated Feb 6, 2018
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An exclusive look at the Terry Francona Hitting Center at Hi Corbett Field. 

New season, new facility

Arizona Wildcats baseball (copy)
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

The Arizona Wildcats baseball team is coming off a 38-21 season and a disappointing finish in 2017 compared to the College World Series campaign two years ago, falling to Sam Houston State in the Lubbock Regional. 

Head coach Jay Johnson is heading into his third year at the helm and although he lost first baseman JJ Matijevic, outfielder Jared Oliva and pitcher Cameron Ming to the pros, the Wildcats are optimistic about competing for a Pac-12 championship and getting back into competing for a College World Series. 

The newest addition to Hi Corbett Field is the Terry Francona Hitting Center, located just behind the right field wall. Francona, a former Wildcat and Cleveland Indians manager, donated $1 million to the program last January, which was used to develop the new hitting facility as well as renovate the team's clubhouse. 

The Wildcaster went to Hi Corbett Field for a tour of the Terry Francona Hitting Center, take a look at what the Wildcats had to say about their newest addition.  

First look

Finally inside of the Terry Francona Hitting Center. Yup, it’s glorious. pic.twitter.com/idhLNZ3aru

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Bunting station

Another portion of the Terry Francona Hitting Center, a bunting station. Cal Stevenson also said the Wildcats come to the facility to do some defensive drills as well. pic.twitter.com/fno5aoNbhy

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Players getting work in

Cesar Salazar and Alfonso Rivas III getting some work in. #ArizonaWildcats pic.twitter.com/YzWlmFR01z

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Christmas Day for Jay Johnson

Arizona Wildcats ⚾️ head coach Jay Johnson on the first day of practice and the Terry Francona Hitting Center: “It’s like a college baseball coach’s Christmas Day.” pic.twitter.com/hnfjgbnK7A

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Player development

Jay Johnson says the Terry Francona Hitting Center is huge for player development. pic.twitter.com/I8pZfDyG48

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Remembering Jerry Kindall

Jay Johnson on remembering Jerry Kindall: “He’s an elite human being. ... The reason being the coach at Arizona is a big deal to me, is because of who Jerry Kindall was.” pic.twitter.com/PNjX6abwvq

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Emotional roller coaster over the last month for Johnson

Jay Johnson on Jerry Kindall and Trevor Hoffman making the Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/tlPbR3P6W1

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Alumni game

Jay Johnson on Terry Francona and Chip Hale managing the UA alumni game tomorrow morning: pic.twitter.com/i07xlxUraZ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Arizona's pitching competition

Jay Johnson goes in-depth about Arizona’s pitching competition heading into the season. pic.twitter.com/Quh54TTfa6

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Impact of Cesar Salazar's return

Jay Johnson on Cesar Salazar returning to Arizona: “Unquantifiable.” pic.twitter.com/tR6ZiczmaI

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Facing outfielder Cal Stevenson

.@medelrob on outfielder Cal Stevenson: “He’s the smartest hitter I’ve ever faced in my life.” pic.twitter.com/ATDJmP60CC

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

JJ Matijevic's impression on the facility and professional career

Former Wildcat J.J. Matijevic on his first thoughts of the Terry Francona Hitting Center and his first year with the Houston Astros organization: pic.twitter.com/aqGJbpyfc5

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Robert Medel's viral video

For the culture! pic.twitter.com/vXreKumNB9

— Robby (@medelrob) January 20, 2018

What did Johnson think about Medel's video?

Arizona baseball coach Jay Johnson on @medelrob’s viral music video: pic.twitter.com/MgW9KIhJFi

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) January 26, 2018

Full tour of the clubhouse

⚾️ Inside the Arizona baseball clubhouse https://t.co/JA4oa4qLSC

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018

Related to this collection

Trevor Hoffman elected to Baseball Hall of Fame, a first for an Arizona Wildcat (with video)

Trevor Hoffman elected to Baseball Hall of Fame, a first for an Arizona Wildcat (with video)

Longtime Padres closer receives 79.9 percent of the vote. 

Arizona-CU postgame: On Rawle Alkins' recurring pain, Deandre Ayton's throat and that all-time wins record

Arizona-CU postgame: On Rawle Alkins' recurring pain, Deandre Ayton's throat and that all-time wins record

Arizona may have to manage Rawle Alkins' foot the rest of the season.

Seen and heard at McKale Center: Kevin Sumlin says 'bear down' and Tad Boyle gets T'd up

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The Wildcat faithful were given the chance Thursday night to air their resentment toward Colorado coach Tad Boyle, who's emphatic "hell yes" r…

Greg Hansen: Allonzo Trier, the Wildcats' one-man thunderstorm, has team rolling in Pac-12 play

Greg Hansen: Allonzo Trier, the Wildcats' one-man thunderstorm, has team rolling in Pac-12 play

UA guard plays one of his best games as a collegian, and it's the main reason why the Wildcats are ranked No. 11 nationally and first in the Pac-12. 

Photos: University of Arizona vs Colorado, men's Pac-12 basketball

Photos: University of Arizona vs Colorado, men's Pac-12 basketball

The Wildcats avenge their only Pac-12 loss, drop Colorado 80-71 at McKale Center, January 25, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.

Arizona Wildcats use film study, analytics to gain edge during grueling season

Arizona Wildcats use film study, analytics to gain edge during grueling season

Analysis has helped Wildcats improve their defense after dreadful start; UA plays at No. 23 Cal on Friday.

Upgraded facilities have Arizona Wildcats amped for start of 2018 baseball season

Upgraded facilities have Arizona Wildcats amped for start of 2018 baseball season

The Cats begin practice with the Terry Francona Hitting Center and a refurbished locker room open for business.

Watch: Terry Francona helps open the Arizona Wildcats’ hitting facility that bears his name

Watch: Terry Francona helps open the Arizona Wildcats’ hitting facility that bears his name

The Terry Francona Hitting Center at Hi Corbett Field is officially open for business (video by Michael Lev/Arizona Daily Star)

Pitcher for hire: Former Arizona Wildcats stalwart Kurt Heyer aims to relaunch his pro career

Pitcher for hire: Former Arizona Wildcats stalwart Kurt Heyer aims to relaunch his pro career

With help from a friend, the star of the 2012 College World Series champs is poised for another shot with a new outlook and a revamped delivery.

Watch: Arizona coach Jay Johnson on 2018 season, Alfonso Rivas, Wildcats’ pitching staff

Watch: Arizona coach Jay Johnson on 2018 season, Alfonso Rivas, Wildcats’ pitching staff

The UA opens the season Feb. 16, and Johnson likes how his team has progressed. (video by Michael Lev/Arizona Daily Star)

From one Nick to another: Like Foles, Arizona Wildcats’ Quintana has grown from failure

From one Nick to another: Like Foles, Arizona Wildcats’ Quintana has grown from failure

The UA third baseman’s late-season struggles as a freshman will make him a better ballplayer in the long run.

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