Baseball Team Preps to Blow Away the Competition

Delta Baseball is opening its season in Florida, on March 1. The first game is against a division one team from Brooklyn, New York. The home opener will take place on March 21 against Rochester College JV team.

There are 50 games scheduled this season. The team’s goal is to make it to post season, by being among the top six teams in the division.

Coach Dan Smith said he expects the team to be competitive this season.

“As we proved last season, once you make it to post season anything can happen,” said Smith. “We came in as the eighth seed and we knocked off the number one seed, the number two seed, and the number three seed in consecutive games. I think we’re in a position to make it to post-season in the conference.”

Delta, being a two year college, replaces half of its team each year.

“In a junior college you lose half your players every year.” Smith said, “Recruiting never stops, that also holds true for promoting your sophomores, to a four year institution. If you’re not out there recruiting a new class, you’re on the phone trying to get your sophomores into a four year school to continue not only their education but also their baseball. It’s a never ending process.”

Freshman Jake Tarbell said he expects a great season.

“I’m just here to prove myself and see if I can help the team win every game possible,” said Tarbell. “Hopefully I get to be an asset to the team rotation.”

According to Smith, sophomore, Zak Kruskie is the team’s most complete player, for his ability to play multiple positions, and bat from any position.

“He adds the depth of three different guys,” said Smith. “If someone doesn’t have that good of a season or starts to falter we have a guy like Zak that can step in immediately.”

Tarbell hopes the team makes it further than last year.

“The World Series is always something you have to set your goals on,” said Tarbell. “I expect a great season and to hopefully get a few W’s,”

Smith hopes the baseball team will have a successful season. 12