The team watched visiting Trinity College celebrate after winning the NESCAC title and earning an NCAA Tournament berth. That loss has motivated the Jeffs through the off-season, and they are excited to take another crack at the title. "We had a great season, but fell short of our ultimate goals," said pitcher Brant Ford '06. "This year we have the talent to change that."
The team will take the field for the first time on Saturday in a showdown with Clarkson College. The game kicks off the team's annual trip to Fort Myers, Fla. and starts what looks to be a promising season. With a talented group of returning players, the Jeffs hope to be in contention for the NESCAC crown again and earn an NCAA Tournament bid.
In 2003 the Jeffs finished with a record of 21-12, going 10-2 in league play. The season's highlights were victories over Williams College and Wesleyan University, which assured the Jeffs their 22nd Little III title since 1970. The team placed five players on the Second-Team All-NESCAC squad.
The Jeffs have a strong group of returning players and talented first-years to replace the five players who graduated from last year's squad. Among this group were pitchers Jonah Ansell '03 and Chris Vecsey '03, co-captain catcher Joe Katuska '03 and co-captain right fielder John Schneider '03. The team will need to supplant lost run production, as Schneider, a second-team All-NESCAC selection, led the team with six home runs and 32 runs scored last season. Ansell finished 2003 ranked ninth in the league in ERA (3.79) and 10th in opponent batting average (.252) and Vecsey led the way in the bullpen with a stifling 0.89 ERA.
Despite the losses, the Jeffs are still loaded with talent and experience. "There are solid hitters in each of the nine spots, along with many other players who will be contending for a starting position throughout the season," senior co-captain Duncan Webb said of the returning group. "We have a talented pitching staff as well."
Fran Morales '04 and Kyle Lavery '05 will fill the gap left by Schneider in right field, adding to a stacked outfield. Second-Team All-NESCAC centerfielder Paul Whiting '04 boasts a fantastic glove and great speed on the bases. Junior Dave Powers '05 is a two year starter in left field and Andrew Green '06 will add additional speed.
In the infield, Josh Santry '05 returns at third base after stroking a team-high 43 hits last season. Zach Schonberger '06, returning after a strong rookie season, will start at shortstop, backed up by Mike Erkkinen '05. Senior Brandon Cody, who led the team in batting average (.385), will start at second with first-year Mark Mazzone seeing some action there as well. Dave Levinson '06, named Rookie of the Year by Coach Bill Thurston in 2003, provides excellent power at first base. Matt Potter '04, a former First-Team All-NESCAC selection, should see time at the designated hitter position.
Senior co-captain Tom Sullivan will bring experience at catcher, having started the last 18 games of 2003. Sullivan hit over .300 with three homers while throwing out eight runners, tying him for fourth in the league.
The pitching staff will be stellar again with ace Andy Kerns '04 leading the way. Kerns, a Second-Team All-NESCAC pitcher and a Third-Team All-New England selection, had a record of 6-0 last season while tying for the league lead in opponent batting average (.189). Kerns will be complimented by Webb, who amassed a 5-3 record last season. Hard-throwing freshman right-hander Brian Donahue and Joe Vladeck '06 should round out an already stacked starting rotation. Ford and Ed Imperatore '05 should create a solid bullpen.
The Jeffs' schedule is filled with tough contests, including a number of ranked opponents. They will face challenges early, playing three ranked teams in Florida: Ohio Wesleyan University (13th), Rowan University (19th) and Denison College (21st). Other non-conference games include bouts with two former national champions, the University of St. Thomas on March 21 and defending Div. III champion Eastern Connecticut State University on April 7. In conference play, the team hopes to avenge last year's loss at Trinity on April 20. "Expect our normally subdued regular season game against Trinity to create a spark in both dugouts. I know the date is marked on my calendar," said an eager Webb.
With all the talent and motivation that the baseball team possesses, 2004 promises to be exciting and successful. The Jeffs have their eyes set on the NESCAC championship, and should be a force to be reckoned with.