Baseball Season Begins

Each spring brings a renewing of life and a new feeling of hope. Spring also brings one of the United States' favorite pastimes: baseball.

The Eastern Mennonite University baseball team seems destined to capture a renewing of life as a new coach and a revamped roster look to provide a fresh feeling of hope for fans. First-season head coach Mark Mace is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University and a former captain of the baseball team. According to senior Mike Kniss, "Coach Mace has brought a much-needed positive energy to the team...a fresh system, a dedication to improving the image of the baseball program, a new commitment to the school, and a competitive attitude." Kniss said that these parts of Mace's philosophy will benefit the team greatly. Senior Casey Armstrong also said that the attitude of the team has changed greatly since Mace took over the program. Armstrong said, "We finally have someone who believes in us and believes we can win." Also joining the coaching staff is 2005 EMU graduate Jerry Shank, who played baseball for the Royals for the past two years.

Several key players are returning to the team, including Kniss on the infield, Armstrong and junior Chad Johns at first base, senior catcher Kenny Riley, and sophomore shortstop Zack Hawke. Last season Armstrong batted .342, and led the team in doubles with 13 and runs batted in with 30. Johns and Riley both smacked three home runs to lead the team. Hawke batted .370 in 20 games. Key transfers and freshmen include infielders Jameson Jarvis and Jeff Gingrich, outfielders Brandon Zollman and Ben Moyer, and catcher/outfielders Andrew Pittman and Zach Polloni.

Two returning players, senior Drew Cobb and junior Josh Pfeifer, will anchor the pitching staff. Cobb threw 41.2 innings last year and had a win/loss record of 2-3. Pfeifer had a 5.82 earned run average and had a 2-2 record. They will be helped by freshman Michael Chrisman and Andy Fainter, as well as several position players.

After being picked to finish ninth out of 10 teams in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), Kniss said, "The team has a goal of first reaching and then winning the ODAC conference tournament. Being picked 9 out of 10 in the preseason poll, it is obvious that we are disrespected in the conference. It is our job to turn some heads and take it to the teams that take us lightly."

Riley said, "Fans can look forward to a team that won't quit, plays hard, and we'll have some exciting baseball for everyone to watch. We look to bring that fire back to EMU baseball." That means get out, enjoy the spring, and watch the new-look Royals come to life.