ARLINGTON, Texas – The UT Arlington baseball team will have an experienced group of outfielders to choose from in 2021, as they return their three main starters from a season ago, while adding a few Junior College transfers to the mix.

"We return a great group of guys in the outfield," said head coach Darin Thomas. "We also have some newcomers that we'll be able to sprinkle in when needed."

Senior Connor Aube will return to center field once again hoping to continue his strong start to the 2020 season. Aube started in 14 games for the Mavericks and recorded a hit in every game.  He led the squad in batting average (.375), hits (21), doubles (5) and runs scored (13). Since joining the Mavericks in 2019, Aube has been a mainstay in the Maverick lineup, starting 61 out of the 74 games during that span.  His career batting average of .359 is the 8^th best in UTA history, tying him with Trey Hillman.
 
"Connor is back and healthy, which is important," said Thomas. "He had a great fall this year – probably one of the best falls we've ever had here."

Joining Aube as a returning starter is fellow senior Andrew Miller. Miller started all 16 games for the Mavericks in 2020 at either right field or first base.  He led the team in home runs (4) and at-bats (61), while finishing second in RBI (11), doubles (3) and slugging percentage (.525). Just as he's done in his previous two seasons, Miller will be expected to play more than just right field for the Mavericks.
 
"Miller is a key player on our club," said Thomas "Not only is his bat valuable, but he has experience playing multiple positions."
 
Following a breakout 2020 campaign, left fielder Phillip Childs will be back in the lineup for the Mavericks.  Childs started on a tear a season ago, recording hits in eight straight games to begin the season. In his 13 starts in the outfield last year, he slashed .320/404/.480.

Along with the returning starters in Aube, Miller and Childs from a season ago, fans should keep an eye out for transfers JD Wadleigh (Bangor, Maine; South Mountain CC) and Matt Novis (Tempe, Ariz.; Yavapai College).

The Mavericks are set to open the season next Friday (Feb. 19) with a three-game series at Corpus Christi. Mav fans will then have an opportunity to see UTA take on Tarleton State (Feb. 23) and Oklahoma (Feb. 24) at Globe Life Field the following week.

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