By Spencer Paterick ’21 Assistant Editor
Young squad hopes to make a playoff run
The recent uncharacteristically warm weather is a reminder that baseball season is right around the corner.
The baseball team had one of the best records in program history in 2019 after starting 9-2 through 11 games. Despite the hot start, the team trailed off through the remainder of the season and ultimately finished 16-23. After a disappointing result last year, the team is hoping for a season in 2020 that extends into the playoffs.
Led by second-year coach Jonas Fester, the team hopes to build on the early success from last year with the help of 14 incoming freshmen.
“Coach Fester has brought a new level of energy and confidence to our team,” Brendan Ward, a senior right-handed pitcher, said. “The time he invests into each one of us and the information he provides us has made the entire team better. He challenges us to be great each day, and that has brought a lot of excitement and energy to practice every day.”
Even though Fester has been at LVC for a little over one full season, it is clear that what he brings to the team has helped to motivate the players to do their best both on and off the field.
“We work hard and expect to win,” Daymond Zweiwig, a junior first baseman and right-handed pitcher, said. “We’ve got a great mix of young and veteran players that can help us compete at a high level. We are really excited to hit the ground running.”
Along with 14 first-year students, the entire squad has been eager to get to work in order to see a difference when it comes time for games.
“I think LVC will be a force to be reckoned with this season,” Conor Smith, a freshman second baseman, said. “With our combined talent and work ethic, we can do some real damage in the MAC.”
The first-year athletes have been at LVC for less than a year but understand that they are expected to put their best foot forward every time they step onto the field.
“I’m really excited to see what the freshmen can do,” Ward said. “A lot of them came here with expectations of being able to compete right away, and they’re going to be challenging for playing time right away, which is going to be great for us as a team.”
With all the confidence and talent that the team possesses, it is looking to make a deep playoff run this season, with its eyes set on the MAC championship title.
The Dutchmen’s first conference game of the season is Friday, March 13, at Alvernia University, with a doubleheader the following day beginning at noon.
Over Spring Break the team will travel to South Carolina and Florida to play a total of nine games.
One of the most exciting games of the season is on Tuesday, March 31, when the Dutchmen will take on Lancaster Bible College at Clipper Magazine Stadium, the home stadium of the minor league Lancaster Barnstormers.