Nic Partridge waited a long time for a night like Wednesday.

After health issues wiped out his first season at Florida, Partridge has emerged as one of the Gators’ most productive hitters this fall. He continued that push against the Ontario Blue Jays, going 3-for-4 with a three-run home run and four RBIs while also getting another look at first base.

Partridge spoke with the press after the exhibition about returning to full health, managing Crohn’s disease, his defensive versatility and what his strong fall has meant after everything he went through last season.

What was it like watching your home run leave the ballpark?

Off the bat, it felt really good. As it was coming down, I got a little scared. Barely got out, but it felt really good.

What is it like to be back healthy after last season?

It honestly feels really good.

Last year, I have Crohn's disease, so I had surgery on my stomach in February. But just being able to bounce back and be healthy, it feels really good, and just to be on the team with the guys.

It was really good.

What's the challenge of managing Crohn's disease as an athlete?

Basically, just eating right and trying to keep my body healthy with the right stuff and not just eating stuff that will harm, too.

When did you find out you had Crohn's disease?

When I got here, I was obviously light. But I went to the doctor, and they were like, most likely I had it my senior year of high school, but I didn't know until I got back here.

How much has getting the diagnosis helped?

It's honestly been a lot of help, actually. The doctors here are amazing. The coaches have been supporting me all the way through it, so I've really enjoyed it.

Does your success this fall feel more rewarding after what you went through?

Oh, yeah. I'd say it's definitely, honestly, something I wouldn't say needed, but definitely one I've been wanting for a while.

Just to be able to experience it, it feels really good.

What does it mean to hear that the coaches need to find a place for you to play?

Honestly, growing up, I've played everywhere. If I can just be able to give the team a chance to win, that's all that matters to me.

How was playing first base?

It was cool. It was a little weird just getting used to it, but it'll get better for sure. My sophomore year, I played it a little bit. Then during the summer, I'll switch back and forth around the infield.

How many positions have you played this fall?

I've played left field, first and second so far.

Would the home run have gotten out without the wind?

It might have. Maybe without the wind, maybe. But it was a good swing, so I'm happy with it.

Where are you most comfortable defensively?

Honestly, in the outfield. I like to go get the ball.

How do you feel about this year's team?

Honestly, the new coaching staff and the new guys, it's been really good this fall. You can definitely feel the difference and the chemistry with the coaches. I feel like we're definitely more glued together, for sure.

What does an exhibition like this mean for the younger players?

I was excited for them. It's obviously new to me, too.

But just them being able to get on the field and experience it with all this in the background, I feel like it's a good experience just to get your feet wet, for sure.

What personal goals do you have heading toward the spring?

Honestly, just staying mentally good, I'd say.

Going through what I've been through, I feel like there are definitely a lot of mental challenges. But if I just keep God in the center, for me, that's the main point.

What do you think of Florida's young pitchers?

This freshman class and the pitchers, it's really good.

You've got Colin White, funky lefty, really, really tough at-bat during the fall, for sure. Brady Snow, he's highly scouted coming in here.

Everybody else as well. So, I mean, it's definitely a lot.

Who is the toughest pitcher on the team for you to face?

As a lefty, either Colin or probably Josh (Whritenour).

How has Josh improved this fall?

His arsenal is a lot better. Everything just looks harder. From what he was like last year, it's definitely different, for sure.

What did you learn from the older players while sitting out last year?

Honestly, just being around them. We had a lot of older guys, so it was good to pick their brains.

Just seeing everything from the sideline and then getting onto the field, it's definitely a little different, but it's definitely been a lot of help, for sure.

Did anyone specifically take you under their wing?

Honestly, (Landon) Stripling. He's been a really big help. The same with Jaden (Bastian). He's been a really big help as well.

Have you gotten first-base advice from Stripling?

Yeah. He knows a lot. He's been here three years. He definitely knows a lot.

What was it like playing at home again?

Honestly, it feels really good. I feel like the next couple of fall games are going to feel really good, just being here at home.

Obviously, being cut short last year hurt a little bit. We're just looking to win and get to Omaha this year.

Did beating Troy exorcise some demons from last season?

Oh, yeah, for sure. Definitely was a little personal to a lot of the guys, so it felt really good.

What have you seen from Brendan Lawson?

His actions and his play speak for itself. He's amazing.