Ava Compagnoni avcompagnoni@ursinus.edu
Thomas Field is back in action this spring, and the Ursinus Baseball Team could not be more excited about this unique 2021 season. All planned competitions are double-headers; the Bears lost both games against F&M on opening weekend, but split with Washington on April 3. With 15 freshmen, the team has a lot of new talent to work with. After graduating some historic seniors in 2020, the current 10 seniors could not be more thankful to have a season this year after the abrupt stop last spring. The thought of missing out on the back half of their collegiate baseball careers was nothing less than terrifying, and they are bringing their all to the field this year for one last ride.
The Bears were picked 6th in the Centennial Conference preseason poll with 23 points, behind Muhlenberg by just one point. The playing field this year will be intense for Centennial Conference baseball, and we cannot wait to see what the Bears have hidden up their sleeves.
Sophomore pitcher Brady Antolick shined through his shortened collegiate experience last spring. During his first career start in Florida, Antolick struck out nine batters, an impressive start for a rookie. It has been a long year since spring break, but Antolick could not wait to get back out on the mound with his teammates’ support behind him. “Through the pandemic, our team has stuck together like a family. Moving forward, the work ethic, persistence, and leadership within our team will separate us from others as we continue to strive to be the best on and off the field” says Antolick.
Junior outfielder Matteo Falcone could not be more ecstatic to be back with his second family on campus. COVID has brought challenges to baseball, but these young men work through it with resilience and unity. Falcone has been an asset at the plate for the past two years. “It’s good to be back playing with a great group of guys, our roster is bigger compared to years past with a lot of younger guys looking to contribute now and in the future for this program. The environment this team brings makes each week more fun,” says Falcone.
Senior lefty outfielder and pitcher Will Peiffer has made a name for himself on the field. Peiffer has put in the work both on and off the field to be a great role model for his team. After this past year, a COVID hiatus from competition, Peiffer could not be happier to have such a unique season with a closely bonded team. “It’s a weird time to be playing baseball but I’m thankful to have a season. I want to leave it all on the field every game and enjoy the moment,” says Peiffer.
Coach Exeter has prepared these young men for an incredible season, making sure they put 110% into every game because we never know when things could get turned upside down. The team has worked extremely hard to keep themselves in good academic standing, as well as complying with the COVID guidelines to make sure they do not lose their team to the virus or quarantine. The Bears are now 1-3, but there is plenty of time left in this short season to turn that around. We wish them the best of luck as they take on their next conference opponent. Go Bears!