On Friday afternoon, pitchers, fielders, and catchers gathered at Sewell-Thomas Stadium for Alabama baseball’s inaugural preseason practice under the new head coach, Rob Vaughn. Notably absent from “The Joe” was Dylan Lonergan, the first-year Crimson Tide quarterback who likely won’t participate in the baseball program this spring, as confirmed by Vaughn.
This news aligns with the recent changes in UA football, described by Vaughn as one of the craziest months in the program’s history. Despite Lonergan’s focus on football, Vaughn expressed openness to having him join the baseball team in the future, emphasizing Lonergan’s talent and his dedication to football over the past six to seven months.
Lonergan, who served as the Tide’s third-string quarterback this fall, appeared in one football game, showcasing his abilities. As a dual-sport athlete, he sought a school allowing him to play both sports and was rated a blue-chip recruit in both football and baseball. Lonergan committed to Saban and former UA baseball coach Brad Bohannon. However, with Saban’s retirement and Bohannon’s firing due to a gambling scandal, changes occurred, and Vaughn took over as the new head coach.
Despite Lonergan’s likely absence from baseball this spring, Vaughn expressed admiration for the talented athlete and left the door open for his potential involvement in the future, acknowledging that decisions regarding his long-term path will ultimately rest with Lonergan.
