The Northwestern State baseball team announced seniors Matt Baca, Nick Purdy, and Will Watson as its captains for the 2013 season.

Baca is a senior outfielder and designated hitter entering his second season as a Demon. Last year he hit .295 in 28 games with two homeruns and 25 runs batted in.

“Matt Baca is the quiet leader,” said Burroughs. “He’s not really a vocal person in front of the coaches, but he’s the guy that will jerk his teammates by the seat of their pants when they're not doing right. I think he has so much respect by the way he works and his journey to get here at NSU.”

Purdy is senior catcher who started all but two games a year ago. He hit .230 with four doubles and 17 runs batted in his first season at NSU.

Watson is a senior first baseman and outfielder who was named to the College Sports Madness All-Southland Conference Preseason First Team. He was the team leader with a .335 batting average with 10 doubles, two triples, and 20 runs batted in.

“Watson has been here for the long haul. He’s put up great numbers and is kind of a cornerstone of the program, and it’s really not surprising the team chose Will. He is a tremendous young man, works hard, and is very professional.”

The captains act as a liaison between the coaches and players. They take care of team issues and run the clubhouse.

“Really and truly our guys got it right, said head coach Lane Burroughs. “Its not surprising these three names kept popping up, and we felt like they were getting so many votes that we should reward all three of them. Our team is very happy with the choices.”

The baseball team holds it’s inaugural Popeye’s First Pitch Banquet Feb. 8. Tickets can be purchased by contacting G.T. McCullough at mcculloughg@nsula.edu.