Off to a Fast Slow Start

As I am writing this, it is pouring rain, has been for the last 24 hours, and will be for the next 24 hours after which is forecast to turn to snow.  It is April in Western New York, where we talk about the weather more than softball.  It’s a thousand times better with turf, because we don’t have to talk about field conditions, but we are still at the mercy of the rain and snow to get games in.

We had a great preseason where we were able to practice outside on the field in the month of February. We were able to execute many defensive situations that just can’t happen in the gym, and our games in Florida were not our first time stepping on a field.

Week-one had us jumping into games in Florida. After an overnight weather-related delay in Baltimore, we were able to make it down to play eight of our 10 scheduled games and work out all the wrinkles of our lineup. We had four first-years join us this year who are all seeing time in the starting lineup.

Upon returning from our spring trip, we were met with four games that had to be rescheduled into week two. Week three allowed us to fit in six games, going 2-4. Week four was another washout with two games cancelled and two rescheduled. The weather is looking good for week five and we are hopeful to get some rhythm going for the last five weeks as we start rolling into conference play.

This is why we make our calendars in pencil only. I always tell the team that a softball season in Western New York should always come up in your interviews as an example of being flexible and resilience.

From the Desk of RIT Baseball

RIT baseball is halfway through the 2024 season and the boys are playing great baseball! We are currently 6-2 in the Liberty League and have played some of our best baseball during conference-play. 

Once again, we have a deep roster and are getting contributions throughout the pitching staff. Our lineup, 1-9, is one of the strongest in the league, and we have great depth off the bench. We also have amazing captains Kyle Poorman, Pete Bossinas, and Zach Mecca who truly care more about the team than themselves.

Our alumni coaches, Tyler Leichtenberger, Ben Terzini, and Brian Sheridan, have been amazing again this year. They continue to prepare the team for each game and have us playing better baseball every day. We truly have the best coaching staff!  All three are great at teaching the game, but more importantly, truly care about our players and are here for them on and off the field.

Lastly, we have an amazing group of parents who support the team in every possible way.  To say we couldn’t do it without the parents is an understatement!

We have big conference weekends the next two weeks then the Liberty League crossover playoff series on May 4 and 5, which sets the field for the Liberty League Tournament (May 9-11). Please stay up to date on our progress through ritathletics.com and on X at @RIT_baseball.

Quick alumni update - Stevie Branche ‘20 who pitched for us from 2017-20 and was offered a free agent contract by the Cincinnati Reds after graduation, has started the 2024 season with the Triple A Louisville Bats. So far, he has appeared in five games and has recorded a 1-0 record.

We are grateful for everyone’s support and are very proud of our team!  As always thank you for your support.

Tigers In The News