Last year, a series of injuries prevented the Jeffs from achieving their true potential. Despite graduating Joe Vladek and Zack Schonberger, the Amherst baseball team is ready to take a group of solid starting pitching with new members to the hitting lineup and return Amherst to the top of the NESCAC.
With three out of four starting pitchers returning, Amherst returns the core of arguably the most dominant pitching staff in the conference. Right handers Chris Edgar '08, Nick Kehoe '07 and Brian Donahue '07 return to lead a staff that led the NESCAC in runs allowed, earned runs allowed, and was third in strikeouts. Left handers Mike Landman '09 and Ryan Platzbecker '09 and right hander Ben Goldfarb '09 will be looked to help fill the large void missed by two time NESCAC Pitcher of the Year Vladek. Teddy Blank '10 and John D'Angelo '10 will be important contributors in relief.
Offensively, Amherst parted ways with the first, third and fourth batters in last year's lineup. One of the challenges for the Jeffs this year will be replacing former captains Andrew Schonberger, Andrew Green and Rob Anderson. Fortunately, this year's team leadership is fully confident that returning teammates and first-years can provide the necessary offensive boost. Instead of lamenting the losses, the team revels in the challenge that lies ahead. Senior co-captain Mark Mazzone '07 provided insight into the high level of confidence in the roster. "We have a team full of guys who were ready to start for us last year but didn't because we were so talented," he said. "Mix those guys with two very talented [first-year] pitchers and a few talented [first-year] position players. It will be fun to see our team compete to fill the vacancies. We have a lot of talent trying to fill a small hole. That's a good problem to have."
Mazzone was referring to among others, senior co-captain Jared Banner '07, catcher Neil Allar '08 and first-years Eric Pender, Andrew Thal and Will Lawton.
Injuries and inconsistent play prevented the Jeffs from continuing their streak as NESCAC Champions. However, the baseball squad is confident that this year will be a return to the dominance of the program. "If we can keep healthy, we have a chance to do some things this spring," said outfielder Angus Schaller '09.
The Jeff's confidence is buttressed by a team attitude that embraces the adversity that champions face. When asked about a possible team motto, Mazzone responded, "Our team motto has always been 'Take it one day at a time. This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains."
The men have not been able to practice much outside due to the weather. However, this will change next week as they travel to Florida to open their season with a nine-game trip. The Jeffs will be able to hold a full practice outside for the first time this Saturday morning. That night, the Jeffs will take St. Thomas College of Minnesota at 7:00 p.m. In addition to St. Thomas, Amherst will face some of the nation's top teams and top talent.
NESCAC Notes
NESCAC play will commence on March 30 with a home game against NESCAC and Little Three Rival Wesleyan University. Middlebury College is the defending NESCAC Champion and will likely be the Jeffs' stiffest conference competition along with Williams College.