Greg Fitzpatrick
Contributing Writer
As spring is right around the corner, the Springfield College baseball team is suiting up for a highly anticipated 2013 campaign. The Pride finished 20-15, second in the NEWMAC last year.
The team has been working hard all year to prepare for the season opener. They start the season at home against Coast Guard on March 15. Having a strong start would be exactly what the Pride need.
Getting as much leadership as possible would be one key to the Pride’s success. Senior outfielder/first baseman Kyle Difranco is very determined for the upcoming season. He doesn’t believe that there needs to be a lot of improvement, but knows it wouldn’t hurt.
“The team does not need to improve on much, but it will help limit our little mistakes on the field which will help us go a long way,” Difranco said.
Difranco has worked very hard in the off-season to make sure he is a solid contributor to the Pride’s success this season.
“This off-season I went on a diet and lost 15 pounds to get in better shape for the season,” Difranco said.
Along with Difranco, catcher Sean Smith is confident that the team will have plenty of success.
“Our goal would be to win NEWMACs,” Smith said. “We need to take it game by game and build it off of that.”
The Pride are very excited to start the season. They have been working out all fall and winter to make sure this year is a memorable one.
“The fall process includes scrimmages, [and] a lifting program twice a week until winter break,” Smith said.
Smith knows how important his role is. Besides being a junior and a leader on the team, he knows how vital the catcher position is.
“I have a great relationship with the pitchers and the position players since I play the position that can see everything,” Smith said.
After the team starts their season at home, they turn around and travel to take on Coast Guard for a doubleheader on March 16. Then that Sunday, they hop onto a plane and experience their spring break in Florida, where they will battle numerous opponents
As long as the baseball team continues to work hard, their chances of reaching or improving upon their 2012 finish will look bright.