Ready to Start the Season in the Sun

The season opener is just five days away. On Sunday, we will be traveling to Winter Haven and Auburndale, Florida for a four game stretch during Spring Break. So far we have only been able to practice indoors and we all can’t wait to go outside on a field. It will certainly be a relief once we step outside for the first time, dig our cleats into the dirt of the batter’s box and shield the sun with our gloves as we hover under a fly ball.

This year, the team is young but experienced. While that may seem like a paradox, it aptly describes the way in which this year, we will build on the past while moving towards a better future. We boast only two seniors: Co-captain Ari Glantz, who earned a spot on the All-Liberty League Honorable Mention team last season, and Co-Captain Adam Murphy, who will hold down centerfield for the third straight season. The rest of the squad consists of juniors and sophomores who have garnered significant playing time over the past two seasons, as well as freshmen looking to have an impact in the everyday lineup. Junior second baseman, Joe Castilla, and I will likely make up the right side of the infield. Last year we started a combined 69 games. Meanwhile, the left side of the infield is younger, as two freshmen, Mike Perrone and Conor Gallagher, could be the opening day starters at shortstop and third base, respectively. A sophomore and member of last season’s All-Liberty League Honorable Mention team, Sal Constanzo also returns to the lineup along with sophomores Joseph Coniglio and Liam Lee, both of whom hit over .300 during their freshmen seasons. Sophomore John MacGregor leads a corps of young, but experienced pitchers, which includes sophomore Scott Allen and Junior Daniel Berkowitz. All three pitchers combined for 21 games started last season.

Having to play our first game of the season before we have our first outdoor practice of the season is a disadvantage. Then again, this is the same game we have been playing all our lives and you just don’t forget how to play over the winter. This year, we have a team that can overcome obstacles like this and take this program to the next level.