Twenty-Five Players, One Mind on Baseball Team this Spring

Author: Jacob Heller

Chemistry: when a team has chemistry, it is an invaluable asset to take onto the field. The 2003 Middlebury baseball team is banking on its new-found team chemistry to help it rebound from last season's 12 - 16 campaign. In his 18th season as Head Coach, Bob Smith is nothing but optimistic about the success this year's team can achieve. "The chemistry this year is awesome, said Smith. "Senior leadership has set the right tone for this season and there is a real sense of team unity. The absence of individual agendas is outstanding and I am really pleased with this group." Led by co-captains John Prescott '03 and Denny Smith '03, the Panthers are moving on from last season, and are poised to make a statement in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).
In addition to team chemistry, the Panthers' strength lies in their hitting, which they emphasized in practice during preseason. Until the team returns from their Spring Break trip to Florida, the lineup will not be set but Smith has and idea of who will be in it. The lineup is anchored by Prescott at first base and Smith in centerfield, but will also rely on catcher and designated hitter Jason Hanna '03 and Craig Hanson '03, pitcher and designated hitter, to produce runs in the middle of the order. While the top spots in the batting order are still being decided, the final spots will feature pitcher and outfielder Russ Budnick '05 and third baseman and pitcher Jim Muhlfeld '04. Juniors Jake Armstrong at shortstop and Abe Streep in the outfield will provide needed speed to the lineup. Competition is tight for the remaining lineup openings especially among the 10 rookies joining a team held together with veteran talent.
There are no glaring weaknesses on this year's team but the loss of ace pitcher Tyler Conrad '02 to graduation puts added pressure on the pitching staff. To replace Conrad, the team looks to a triumvirate composed of juniors Chris Fraser and Ben Christensen along with Budnick. These three pitchers all have experience from previous seasons that creates a more dependable rotation from top to bottom than years past. The final spots in the rotation will be filled by veterans Muhlfeld and Dave Irwin '05 with rookies Tyler Bak and Jack Donaldson as possibilities.
Playing for a week in Florida will allow Smith to utilize at least six potential starters. By giving his pitchers innings early on this season, Smith hopes to establish a bullpen that is prepared for the long haul.
A power-hitting lineup and an experienced rotation have the Panthers setting the bar high for this season. Smith highlights games against Williams, Amherst and Wesleyan as markers for the team's success. Taking the season series from those schools is always a goal for Smith, and one he has stressed again for his team this season. As the Panthers prepare to leave for their Spring Break in Florida, last season is a distant memory and they cannot wait for that first chance at success in 2003.