By By Dave Diamond
The mayflowers are in full bloom during these beautiful early spring days. Well, not exactly. In fact, the April showers that usually precede those flowers are still a few months away.
But any sports fan within New York and as far north as Massachusetts can tell you, baseball season never ends, and early February is the perfect time to start getting excited about the boys of summer getting out on the diamond.
After a 24-32 finish last year, including a sixth place, 10-14 finish in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), Pride baseball has plenty of reason for optimism heading into the 2006 season. While Virginia Commonwealth and UNC-Wilmington are expected to battle for the CAA title, Southeastern Baseball chose the Pride to finish fifth in the conference.
"There's no doubt that they are the conference favorites," junior starting pitcher Will DeVito said of VCU and UNCW. "But I think with the added talent of our freshman class we should be able to rack up wins against both of those teams."
Still, the Pride has the talent and good mix of returning players to perhaps surprise a few teams. Senior third baseman Ricky Caputo highlights the list of returning position players that could help the Pride stun some heavy competition. Caputo hit .332 with 12 home runs and 52 RBI's along with a single-season record five triples. These statistics earned Caputo a CAA All-Conference Second Team selection.
Caputo is the anchor of a very impressive infield for the Pride, which also includes senior Josh Stern at shortstop and speedy junior second baseman Andy Campana. Stern had a solid year, batting .339 with 43 RBI's, while Campana became a delight to watch during his stellar sophomore season. While hitting .344, Campana stole 20 bases and managed to drive in 33 runs.
The final week of the 2005 season had head coach Chris Dotolo smiling with anticipation as the new season draws near, especially the way returning relief pitcher Jeff Denlea put an exclamation point on his impressive sophomore year. Denlea led the CAA with seven saves to go along with a 3.98 ERA, tops on the team. In the final week of the season, he grabbed CAA Pitcher of the Week honors by pitching 9.1 shutout innings.
Also returning is DeVito, who turned many heads with his extremely hot start last season, his first with the Pride after transferring from Dowling College. After grabbing five early wins last year, those within the program began to wonder whether or not DeVito could make a run at the team record for wins in a season. Unfortunately, he hit a bit of a rut to finish out the season, but is looking forward to a strong second year as the ace for the Pride. His control was very impressive for a sophomore pitcher, striking out a team high 43 while walking just 15.
"For the first time in a while we have an experienced staff," junior pitcher Ryan Dunn said. "DeVito had a big year for us last year and so did Denlea. They're both big keys for our staff. We also have a freshman lefty in Nick Panzarella that we're hoping can make an early contribution."
The team's opening schedule, however, is not comforting. The non-conference schedule to start the season is played entirely on the road, with the lone exception being a home doubleheader against Dartmouth College six days before conference competition begins on March 10.
"Personally, I think it's the best part of the year, going to places like Auburn and getting to play in front of a large crowd," DeVito said. "Managing the traveling along with schoolwork is tough, but it's worth it."
Of course, the CAA schedule brings more vacationing as the Pride head to CAA powerhouses UNC-Wilmington and VCU in the first two weekends before getting to play at home.
Still, the Pride must confront its challenges head on as it prepares to take another step towards being a major player in the CAA. After responding to a dreadful 14-36 mark in 2004, the Pride will look to continue to make strides toward the future.
"I absolutely expect to be back in the CAA Tournament," DeVito said. "I definitely think we have a shot to win it."