Spring is fast approaching and with that comes the baseball season. The Ocelots are back on the diamond looking to build off of their 26-25 overall record of last season and third place 13-12 record in the MCCAA Eastern Conference.
Head coach Rob Fay, entering his 9th season as head coach, is optimistic on how his Ocelots will do this season with a roster that is mixed with experienced veterans and first year players to the program.
“With the incoming guys that we brought in, I think we’ll be really strong,” said Fay.
Fay is confident that with some of the best talent returning from last year and the new recruits on this season’s roster, everyone will be ready to play some competitive baseball. Observing his team so far, he feels like they are doing well with constant improvement day to day.
The team’s roster features roughly 40 players as deep depth will be key for the Ocelots as they will tackle a grueling 57 game schedule. A few of the beginning opponents will include Chattanooga State Community College, Alexandria Technical/Community College, and Bryant and Stratton (OH).
Returning and transfer players include sophomore infielders Sawyer Pace, Andrew Thorning, John Sowards, Jacob Greshman and Mason Maylsz. Freshmen infielderes include Brady Sauer, Kayvon Justice, Tashawn Eatmon and Colin Sclater.
Behind the plate are catchers Barrett Barker and Bryan Tuttle who will also be working the infield duties. Barker had a .989 fielding percentage behind the plate. Threw out 13 attempted runners which was good for 2nd best in the conference. Freshmen catchers on the roster are Dominic Westfall and Abel Gutierrez (who will also be sharing infield duties). Outfielders are sophomores Tyler Allos, Noah Felder, Eric Vargas and Zach Perpich. Freshmen outfielders include Ben Cannon, Joaquin Maldonado, Issander Vega, Miguel Hinojosa and Owen Elsey.
Taking to the mound for the Ocelots are sophomores Austin Smolenski, Phillp Miller and Carlos Plascencia. Freshmen pitchers include Riley Jones, Jacob Ramsey, Dalton Vance (who will also share infield duties), Alex Vartanian, Connor Bucher, Calbin Gonzalez, Diego Bermudez, Jefferson Delacruz, Riley Niggemeyer, Juan Delgado, Michael Moore and Alex Stepaniak.
In order for the team to advance up the standings this season, consistency in pitching will be key for the Ocelots as pitching can easily win or lose games for teams. When asked about his squads pitching staff, Fay said; “If we can pitch at the high level we’re capable of, I think the rest of the game will take place for us.”
He went on to describe how baseball primarily comes down to pitching. If this team’s pitchers can perform it will make for a great season.
The team’s morale and culture are big contributions to having a successful season. When the coaching staff and players are united, it’s like a family. When coaches communicate with their team to help them better execute skills you’re more likely to see success, Fay knows it too.
“When you’re a head coach at a community college you also become an academic advisor, a father figure, the guys know that we’re here to help them,” said Fay. In addition he knows that his job is to help them grow into young men on and off the baseball field.
For more information about this seasons rosters, schedules and stats go to www.schoolcraftocelots.com.
