Yesterday the 2015 season began for the Defiance College Baseball team. In addition to team practices, the coming weeks of our own version of Spring Training will include not only individual workouts for pitchers, catchers and position players - but also time devoted in the weight room as well. So I thought I'd give a little insight into how we manage the strength component of our program during the season.
Our position players and pitchers [including dual guys] lift in two separate groups, two days per week - so that we're able to effectively manage the space in our weight room. Positionals typically lift after practice [Monday & Friday] while pitchers come in during the day [Tuesday & Thursday] to get their lift in. The program that we outline is derived from Eric Cressey's High Performance Handbook. Eric Cressey in my opinion, is the top resource for coaching strength & conditioning in overhead athletes.
Showing posts with label Defiance Baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Defiance Baseball. Show all posts
January 27, 2015
January 12, 2015
Catching Up
Long time no see! After a brief hiatus, welcome back to the Diamond. I have decided to take the blog in a new direction. Considering where this thing began for me (an aspiring coach fresh out of college) to where it was last I left you (updates and insight into the Defiance College baseball program), we'll be heading down a new path. But more to come on that in a second.
In the meantime, let's play a little catch up on what's been keeping me busy. Last I wrote, the Defiance College baseball team was entering the final weekend of the 2014 regular season. The following months produced a new opportunity for me. I moved to Wisconsin, land of the Cheese Heads, for an assistant job in the Northwoods League. I was fortunate enough to serve as the first base coach for the league champion, Lakeshore Chinooks. The 2014 'Nooks ended the season as one of only three teams in NWL history to win 50+ games (54-21). We captured both the first and second half regular season titles, as well the postseason championship - and finished the summer ranked as the top summer collegiate baseball team by Perfect Game.
In the meantime, let's play a little catch up on what's been keeping me busy. Last I wrote, the Defiance College baseball team was entering the final weekend of the 2014 regular season. The following months produced a new opportunity for me. I moved to Wisconsin, land of the Cheese Heads, for an assistant job in the Northwoods League. I was fortunate enough to serve as the first base coach for the league champion, Lakeshore Chinooks. The 2014 'Nooks ended the season as one of only three teams in NWL history to win 50+ games (54-21). We captured both the first and second half regular season titles, as well the postseason championship - and finished the summer ranked as the top summer collegiate baseball team by Perfect Game.
May 1, 2014
Conquering Senior Day
Welcome back to the Diamond! Since last you read, the Defiance College Baseball team was gearing up to kick off the 2014 season - and now is on the verge of completing it. This year has certainly seen its share of red lights, traffic jams and detours. And although, the Jackets have just eight wins on the year and have had their cliche troubles with pitching and defense - they have continued to show resilience no matter the opponent and no matter the situation.
DC has just three games left on their schedule this season - Friday and Saturday (5/2 & 5/3) the Fightin' Engineers of Rose-Hulman come to town to cap the 2014 regular season. Also this weekend, the Defiance College baseball staff and athletic department will recognize the program's five seniors; Darin Waterman, Aaron Helland, Brandon Riley, Pat Masopust and Trey Trumpower.
Waterman's career numbers include a .316 batting average in 459 at-bats (third most all-time) with 34 career doubles (tied for school record), 10 home runs and 76 RBI - Darin is also fifth in hits all time at Defiance with 145. All this to go along with a career 4.97 ERA, and top five career totals in innings pitched and strikeouts (206.1 and 188, respectively).
Helland, a Defiance native and [along with Waterman] a four-year starter, already holds the career record for stolen bases at DC with 79, and sports a lifetime .257 batting average in 443 at-bats - which is good for fifth best in school history. Aaron also has the fifth most walks in program history with 66 free passes drawn.
Riley has been a three year letter-winner for the Jackets (all behind the plate), after transferring from Ohio University in the fall of 2011. Brandon's played in 45 games, starting 25 of them along the way as a battery mate for the DC pitching staff. He's collected a .226 batting average while consistently putting the ball in play - managing only 12 strikeouts in 103 total plate appearances.
Masopust, a converted catcher and now everyday first basemen for the Jackets, will exit with a .272 career average in 235 at-bats and 85 games played. Patty Baseball also boasts a .391 on-base percentage and is top ten all-time in putouts with 402.
Trumpower, a Loudonville (OH) native has been a four-year letter winner for DC - all in the outfield. And a catalyst for the culture change that Head Coach Derek Woodley has been able to establish in his seven years at the helm of the DC Baseball program.
DC has just three games left on their schedule this season - Friday and Saturday (5/2 & 5/3) the Fightin' Engineers of Rose-Hulman come to town to cap the 2014 regular season. Also this weekend, the Defiance College baseball staff and athletic department will recognize the program's five seniors; Darin Waterman, Aaron Helland, Brandon Riley, Pat Masopust and Trey Trumpower.
Waterman's career numbers include a .316 batting average in 459 at-bats (third most all-time) with 34 career doubles (tied for school record), 10 home runs and 76 RBI - Darin is also fifth in hits all time at Defiance with 145. All this to go along with a career 4.97 ERA, and top five career totals in innings pitched and strikeouts (206.1 and 188, respectively).
Helland, a Defiance native and [along with Waterman] a four-year starter, already holds the career record for stolen bases at DC with 79, and sports a lifetime .257 batting average in 443 at-bats - which is good for fifth best in school history. Aaron also has the fifth most walks in program history with 66 free passes drawn.
Riley has been a three year letter-winner for the Jackets (all behind the plate), after transferring from Ohio University in the fall of 2011. Brandon's played in 45 games, starting 25 of them along the way as a battery mate for the DC pitching staff. He's collected a .226 batting average while consistently putting the ball in play - managing only 12 strikeouts in 103 total plate appearances.
Masopust, a converted catcher and now everyday first basemen for the Jackets, will exit with a .272 career average in 235 at-bats and 85 games played. Patty Baseball also boasts a .391 on-base percentage and is top ten all-time in putouts with 402.
Trumpower, a Loudonville (OH) native has been a four-year letter winner for DC - all in the outfield. And a catalyst for the culture change that Head Coach Derek Woodley has been able to establish in his seven years at the helm of the DC Baseball program.
February 27, 2014
Opening Ceremonies
Tomorrow, February 28th, the Defiance College baseball team will open up its 2014 season in great southern fashion as they'll travel to Danville, KY to play a four game set against Calvin College and Centre College, respectively. The Jackets will kick off the weekend with a 3pm start (2/28) against Calvin, followed by a doubleheader against the two teams Saturday, and a single-9 vs. Centre for Sunday's getaway game.
Opening Day will feature a Yellow Jacket team (20-16, 13-11) coming off one of the most successful seasons in recent memory, including the third most wins in program history and first playoff berth in nine years - against Calvin College (16-25, 15-13), who finished fourth in the MIAA and earned a trip to their conference tournament. Tomorrow's game will also serve as the first of the season for the Knights.
Opening Day will feature a Yellow Jacket team (20-16, 13-11) coming off one of the most successful seasons in recent memory, including the third most wins in program history and first playoff berth in nine years - against Calvin College (16-25, 15-13), who finished fourth in the MIAA and earned a trip to their conference tournament. Tomorrow's game will also serve as the first of the season for the Knights.
November 18, 2013
Pro Day Preview
On Sunday, November 17th the Defiance College and Defiance High School baseball programs officially announced their second straight Northwest Ohio Baseball Day with the Pros. This year's event will be held on December 26th from 6pm-8pm in the George Smart Athletic Center (on DC's campus). Last year, twelve (12) professional baseball players and one (1) former pro-baller; including New York Mets pitcher and Defiance native, Jon Niese - spent the afternoon snapping photos, signing autographs and doling out baseball instruction to benefit the Christmas for Kids charity of Northwest Ohio.
For the second go-round, all proceeds from the event will benefit the newly founded Defiance Baseball Endowment Fund (est. 2012). This fund serves to support all Defiance baseball programs; from little league through high school and beyond. It's mission is to provide facility additions or upgrades; equipment, sponsorships and scholarships for the Defiance city youth.
Eleven (11) players have already committed to being in attendance the day after Christmas, including headliners Niese and Houston Astros OF Marc Krauss (Patrick Henry HS). The list of attendees include:
For the second go-round, all proceeds from the event will benefit the newly founded Defiance Baseball Endowment Fund (est. 2012). This fund serves to support all Defiance baseball programs; from little league through high school and beyond. It's mission is to provide facility additions or upgrades; equipment, sponsorships and scholarships for the Defiance city youth.
Eleven (11) players have already committed to being in attendance the day after Christmas, including headliners Niese and Houston Astros OF Marc Krauss (Patrick Henry HS). The list of attendees include:
- Ross Gerdeman - Ft. Jennings HS; Arizona Diamondbacks
- Matt Wisler - Bryan HS; San Diego Padres
- Justin Hancock - Defiance HS; San Diego Padres
- AJ Meyer - Patrick Henry HS; Toronto Blue Jays
- Christian Snavely - Defiance HS; [Former] Toronto Blue Jays
- Brian Garman - Wapakoneta HS; Milwaukee Brewers
- Matt Bischoff - New Haven HS; Baltimore Orioles
- Tyler Burgoon - Defiance HS; Seattle Mariners
- Dace Kime - Defiance HS; Cleveland Indians
October 21, 2013
Birdies, Pizza & Peanut Butter
Most people who know me are fully aware that golf isn't exactly my game. And by not my game, I mean I would probably have just as much success playing water polo in the Olympics. Oh and by the way...I don't tread water very well.
Defiance baseball alum, Ron Habecker, once told me that a bad day on the golf course beats a good day in the office. Obviously he hadn't yet seen me attempt my infamous punch shot, or else he might have rethought his statement.
All joking aside, last week the Defiance College baseball team held its first ever Alumni & Friends golf outing, 9 Innings of Golf. A mix of alumni, current players, and even some team parents, hit the links on Homecoming morning. The alumni turnout was great, from 1985 graduate and state champion high school coach Tom Held to 2013 grads Aaron Patterson, Jake Taylor and Andy Habecker. A big thanks goes out to all the golfers who made that day possible as well as DC Alumni Director, Lorie Rath, for all her efforts in organizing the event, in conjunction with the Eagle Rock Golf Club.
Defiance baseball alum, Ron Habecker, once told me that a bad day on the golf course beats a good day in the office. Obviously he hadn't yet seen me attempt my infamous punch shot, or else he might have rethought his statement.
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| Held shares a high five |
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| DC Baseball Alumni & Friends |
October 11, 2013
Beards for Reid
It's been almost one year since the Defiance College baseball program hung up their razors for an entire month, for their first ever No Shave November fundraiser. In the first go-round, the Jackets grew out their grizzly features to benefit the local Ft. Defiance Humane Society - and were able to raise close to $1000 in the process.Now it's time for year two, and when the chance came to embark on this month long adventure again - the program felt the need to branch out a bit more in search of a new organization to benefit. With that being said, it is a pleasure to announce that the Yellow Jackets will once again be participating in Noshember, all in an effort to raise money for the Reid Rizzo Foundation.
The Reid Rizzo Foundation was founded in 2012, after the death of Lake Erie College shortstop, Reid Rizzo. Reid was the victim of a heart disease called Cardiomyopathy (KAR-de-o-mi-OP-ah-thee), and on June 2, 2012 while playing summer ball for the Madisonville Tradewater Pirates of the Ohio Valley Collegiate League, he passed away in his sleep - at only 21 years old.Since its inception, the foundation's mantra has been to 1) provide financial assistance to those seeking to enhance their primary or secondary educational experience, 2)enhance education, awareness and research relative to medical conditions that affect the cardiovascular system & 3) support athletic organizations wishing to enhance the support structure provided for the athletes they service.
October 7, 2013
The Chase and the Fall
This past weekend (10/5) the Defiance College baseball team wrapped up its 2013 Fall Ball season with a doubleheader scrimmage against Taylor University - capping off a four week fiesta that included team practices, individual work and intrasquad scrimmages; known better as the Chase for the Cup! The Diamond is here to recap the fall and give you a slight glimpse of what to keep an eye on this spring.
This fall the Jackets competed in everything from mental toughness workouts (where they pushed an old shop van and rolled down the auxiliary gym floor on a body scooter), to in-practice competitions (defensive charting/baserunning challenges, late inning pressure situations and even the infamous chicken with its head cut off), to weekend intrasquad games (12 games in all) to help determine the winner of the 2013 Yellow Jacket Cup.Going into the last day of practice, the standings were all tied up - a BP Scrimmage was slated to break the tie and determine a winner, but mother nature reared her head. As the rain came down at The Rutt, there was only one logical option - a Tennis Ball World Series for all the marbles. At the end of the day, it was SR Aaron Helland and his walk-off [tennis ball] bomb that led the Purple Squad to hoist the Cup and unseat the defending champion, Gold Team.
A big thanks goes out to the Taylor baseball program for being such great hosts on Saturday and more importantly the parents, fans and alumni that were able to make it to our intrasquad weekends! Overall, it was a fantastic fall season and some great things were taken away from these past four weeks - as well as a laundry list of things to work on going into the spring.
October 4, 2013
Stat Crunch: On the Mound
In the sequel to the Diamond's first installment of its fall ball recap, we turn our focus to the middle of the field - and take a look at how the pitching staff fared during Yellow Jacket Cup play. Keep in mind that these games were played in four inning increments, creating a twelve (12) game series between the two teams. Not only were pitchers charged with the task of keeping runs off the board, as always, they were also given the opportunity to score runs for their team. Using a pitch count bonus system, if a pitcher:
As I sit here and look over these stats, there are certainly some numbers that jump off the page. Sophomore Chris Douglas, freshmen Nick Ewalt & Drew Weber did not surrender an earned run all fall long. For Ewalt, that accompanies a sub-one WHIP, along with newcomer Dave Blanch who recorded a 0.94. The pitching staff also had five arms who held opposing hitters to below a .200 batting average. The battery mate's were under the microscope too, in terms of earned runs their pitchers gave up while they were behind the plate. It's time to go inside the numbers in this finale of the Diamond's Stat Crunch.
- Threw 10 or less pitches in an inning = 3 runs
- Threw 11-15 pitches in an inning = 2 runs
- Threw 16-18 pitches in an innings = 1 run
As I sit here and look over these stats, there are certainly some numbers that jump off the page. Sophomore Chris Douglas, freshmen Nick Ewalt & Drew Weber did not surrender an earned run all fall long. For Ewalt, that accompanies a sub-one WHIP, along with newcomer Dave Blanch who recorded a 0.94. The pitching staff also had five arms who held opposing hitters to below a .200 batting average. The battery mate's were under the microscope too, in terms of earned runs their pitchers gave up while they were behind the plate. It's time to go inside the numbers in this finale of the Diamond's Stat Crunch.
September 30, 2013
YJC - Day 3 (9/28/13)
With a solid crowd on hand including a handful of Defiance baseball alumni - 2013 grad and former DC outfielder, Jonathan Murphy, kicked off Yellow Jacket Cup Day 3 by firing a strike for the ceremonial first pitch. If my memory serves me correctly, he may have done it from a cro-hop. Receiving the pitch was 2012 graduate and former battery, Dave Riley - he was almost persuaded to strap the gear back on, but kindly declined. It was great to have those guys back at The Rutt, including former pitchers Ryan McLaughlin, Aaron Patterson and Clint Hoskins.
It was a tremendous way to get the YJC finale underway, and the action during the games themselves certainly did not disappoint either. The Purple squad came away with a clean four-game sweep to bring their record to a commanding 8-3-1, leaving Gold in the dust at 3-8-1. This however, does not mean that the Purple People Eaters hoisted the cup over the weekend - the 2013 YJC Champion will not be named until later this week, as the Jackets still have three days of in-practice competition to help determine the rightful winner.
It was a tremendous way to get the YJC finale underway, and the action during the games themselves certainly did not disappoint either. The Purple squad came away with a clean four-game sweep to bring their record to a commanding 8-3-1, leaving Gold in the dust at 3-8-1. This however, does not mean that the Purple People Eaters hoisted the cup over the weekend - the 2013 YJC Champion will not be named until later this week, as the Jackets still have three days of in-practice competition to help determine the rightful winner.
September 23, 2013
YJC - Day 2 (9/21/13)
Just like anything you do in life, the second time you do it usually goes a bit smoother than the first - although the first time tends to have a little bit more excitement surrounding it than the second does. Part of that was true for Defiance College baseball this past weekend, and it was not the latter.
Day two of Yellow Jacket Cup action was this past Saturday (9/21) and the differences from day one were amazing. The tempo was faster, the energy was better (if that's possible), and the guys played harder with more focus on the task at hand. Unlike week one, which saw Purple win the day by going 2-1-1, a split was had in week two. Bringing Purple's overall record to 4-3-1 and Gold to 3-4-1, respectively.
The theme of the day was also slightly altered from week one to week two. Bonuses for innings won and pitch counts were still awarded, but to try and liven the atmosphere up a bit - the coaching staff put in place a foul ball bonus; every foul ball a player got, his team got a run....needless to say the fans in attendance had to have their heads on a swivel, cause you never knew when a ball, or more importantly - a stampede, was headed their way!
Day two of Yellow Jacket Cup action was this past Saturday (9/21) and the differences from day one were amazing. The tempo was faster, the energy was better (if that's possible), and the guys played harder with more focus on the task at hand. Unlike week one, which saw Purple win the day by going 2-1-1, a split was had in week two. Bringing Purple's overall record to 4-3-1 and Gold to 3-4-1, respectively.
The theme of the day was also slightly altered from week one to week two. Bonuses for innings won and pitch counts were still awarded, but to try and liven the atmosphere up a bit - the coaching staff put in place a foul ball bonus; every foul ball a player got, his team got a run....needless to say the fans in attendance had to have their heads on a swivel, cause you never knew when a ball, or more importantly - a stampede, was headed their way!
September 17, 2013
YJC - Day 1 (9/15/13)
The Cup was on display this past Sunday and the Chase was in full effect on the first full day of Yellow Jacket Cup action. To round out the first week of fall practice, the Yellow Jackets kicked off their 3-day intersquad series with a four game set, all of which were 4 innings games:
#YJC GM 1: Purple 18, Gold 9. @Chewalt14 throws 2 scoreless inn. for W while @hellandback69 & @rkohlhofer2 both go 1-2. #FallBall #TheChase
— Cameron Castro (@OnOffTheDiamond) September 16, 2013
#YJC GM 2: Gold 19, Purple 19. @Joe_Fabrizio & @SGT_Roy both go 2-2; Gold SP @TheReal_CDoug tosses two scoreless. #FallBall #TheChase
— Cameron Castro (@OnOffTheDiamond) September 16, 2013
#YJC GM 3: Purple 20, Gold 18. @dwatnoshot scores 2 runs & fellow first baseman @JoeyBrobst notches 3 RBI. #FallBall #TheChase
— Cameron Castro (@OnOffTheDiamond) September 16, 2013
#YJC GM 4: Gold 16, Purple 11. @_npeters10 gets Gold's first W & @doedoe_1 turns in a 1-2 day with 2 runs scored. #FallBall #TheChase
— Cameron Castro (@OnOffTheDiamond) September 16, 2013
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| The Rutt |
Next was the pitch count bonus, each pitcher got 20 pitches to get through their particular inning - if they were under that 20 pitch mark, their team got additional runs. If he reached his count before the inning was over, the opposing team received a run for every runner on base and every out that was not recorded. The bonuses were as follows:
Pitch Count Scrimmage
- 10 pitches or less = 3 runs
- 11-18 pitches = 2 runs
- 19-20 pitches = 1 run
- Runners LOB/Outs not record = 1 run per (for opposing team)
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September 9, 2013
Chase for the Cup
The NFL wasn't the only one who recently had to finalize their rosters (wonder if someone will sign Tebow, or his twin brother) - today the team assignments were issued for DC Baseball's fall season and the 2013 Yellow Jacket Cup. Defiance will run a four week fall ball season consisting of sixteen (16) practice days; made up of individual instruction, team practices, mental toughness workouts and of course - a three-day intersquad series (Sept. 15, 21 & 28)! Last year, the standings were deadlocked going into the last day of the fall (and no, the coaching staff did not fudge those numbers). In a winner take all match up, the Gold Team swept the day to win their fourth Yellow Jacket Cup title. This will be the seventh year the two teams have battled for the right to take the cup home - and this year promises to be an exciting one, let the Chase begin!
For continuous Yellow Jacket Cup scores, stats and standings - follow the Diamond's Twitter feed!
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August 22, 2013
Regularly Scheduled (Season)
Hot off the press! Defiance College baseball has released its 2014 regular season schedule. Get your copy now, cause they're going fast. The 2014 season follows one of the most successful years for DC Baseball in recent memory - a year which saw the mark set for the third highest win total in program history, the first playoff birth since 2004 and the most wins since 1995 - as well as eight (8) Yellow Jackets earning All-HCAC honors. The 2013 Jackets also set a school record for most wins since joining the HCAC in 2011 (13) - DC then recorded twelve (12) wins by two runs or less (doubling their total from the 2012 season).
The 2014 season will see the Yellow Jackets travel to Earlham (Richmond, IN), Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati, OH), Hanover (Hanover, IN) and Franklin (Franklin, IN) for conference weekend three-game sets. Defiance will also host Transylvania, Rose-Hulman and Anderson on campus at Craig A. Rutter Field, to complete their HCAC weekend matchups.
The Jackets will play mid-week conference matchups against nearby Manchester (N. Manchester, IN) and Bluffton (Bluffton, OH) as well, while also taking on Calvin, Centre, Ohio Northern, Ohio Christian, and Lourdes in non-conference play.
To top all that off, Defiance will continue its traveling ways and once again travel south during spring break for an eight-day road trip; Spring Trip schedule and details have yet to be finalized, but once they are look for them on the Defiance Athletics' website as well as right here on the Diamond!
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
The 2014 season will see the Yellow Jackets travel to Earlham (Richmond, IN), Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati, OH), Hanover (Hanover, IN) and Franklin (Franklin, IN) for conference weekend three-game sets. Defiance will also host Transylvania, Rose-Hulman and Anderson on campus at Craig A. Rutter Field, to complete their HCAC weekend matchups.
The Jackets will play mid-week conference matchups against nearby Manchester (N. Manchester, IN) and Bluffton (Bluffton, OH) as well, while also taking on Calvin, Centre, Ohio Northern, Ohio Christian, and Lourdes in non-conference play.
To top all that off, Defiance will continue its traveling ways and once again travel south during spring break for an eight-day road trip; Spring Trip schedule and details have yet to be finalized, but once they are look for them on the Defiance Athletics' website as well as right here on the Diamond!
Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
August 20, 2013
Campground(ers)
Defiance College Baseball recently released the date for its 2013 Fall Prospect Camp - Sunday, October 20th from 12pm - 5pm at Craig A. Rutter Field, home to the Yellow Jackets (located on campus). In case of rain, camp will still be held but rather inside of the George M. Smart Athletic Center [fieldhouse]. Cost for preregistration is $35 per player with walk-up registration at a $10 increase. All high school players who graduate in 2014, 2015 and/or 2016 are welcomed to attend.
This camp will feature a pro style workout, instruction from and interaction with DC Baseball staff and players, as well as a competitive game-like scrimmage - during which evaluation will take place. This camp follows up Defiance Baseball's most successful season in nearly two decades. Which featured the third highest win total in program history, most wins since 1995 and first playoff birth since 2004.
To register - print off, fill out and return the registration form to:
Defiance College Athletics
ATTN: Michelle Trubey
701 N. Clinton St.
Defiance, OH 43512
Campers can also register online at DefianceCollegeBaseball.com
For more information see the Diamond's Camp Page or visit the Defiance Athletics' website.
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
This camp will feature a pro style workout, instruction from and interaction with DC Baseball staff and players, as well as a competitive game-like scrimmage - during which evaluation will take place. This camp follows up Defiance Baseball's most successful season in nearly two decades. Which featured the third highest win total in program history, most wins since 1995 and first playoff birth since 2004.
To register - print off, fill out and return the registration form to:
Defiance College Athletics
ATTN: Michelle Trubey
701 N. Clinton St.
Defiance, OH 43512
Campers can also register online at DefianceCollegeBaseball.com
For more information see the Diamond's Camp Page or visit the Defiance Athletics' website.
Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
July 1, 2013
I Could've Been At A Barbecue!
The summer months have been anything but lackluster thus far - but is that due to the amount of time spent on the road at various ball parks and stadiums or possibly due to the run this coach's beloved Fighting Braves of the Cuyahoga are currently making? Ok maybe it's a bit of both! Any who, I know the Diamond has since been on hiatus since providing an update on where some of the Yellow Jackets are spending their time this summer - but that time has seen a lot of hours on the road, I woke up this morning and did a double take at my phone when I saw the date. It's July, folks - July! And the first week of July brings arguably my two favorite holidays that are within a 3 day stretch of each other. Confused? Don't be.
After all, today marks Canada Day (which I identify myself with due to my time spent with the Ontario Blue Jays, circa summer 2011) for our friends up north - in need of some ways to celebrate Canadian independence? Problem solved. All of this leads up to the biggest firecracker of them all - and no I don't mean this DC Athletic Trainer. But no matter which holiday this week you are celebrating, I think we all truly know which Independence Day stands above the rest. In all seriousness, this week should be filled with friends, family and fireworks - of course with maybe some baseball and burgers sprinkled in. Enjoy, I know I will!
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
After all, today marks Canada Day (which I identify myself with due to my time spent with the Ontario Blue Jays, circa summer 2011) for our friends up north - in need of some ways to celebrate Canadian independence? Problem solved. All of this leads up to the biggest firecracker of them all - and no I don't mean this DC Athletic Trainer. But no matter which holiday this week you are celebrating, I think we all truly know which Independence Day stands above the rest. In all seriousness, this week should be filled with friends, family and fireworks - of course with maybe some baseball and burgers sprinkled in. Enjoy, I know I will!
Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
June 6, 2013
Summer Ball Chronicles
Although the 2013 campaign may have come to a close for the Defiance College baseball team - as true as in most any other case, as one door closes - another opens. The Yellow Jackets have jumped right into their summer ball schedules - with players as far away as Cheyenne, Wyoming and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; but also as close to home as Celina. Eight (8) different Yellow Jackets are spread far and wide for the summer months in various collegiate summer leagues; here is a list of the returning players beating the heat in the dog days of summer:
JR IF Chris Donese - The Beach League: Sting Rays
In 148 at-bats, Donese hit .297 in 2013 and led the Jackets in hits (44) as well as not missing a single game as the team's starting shortstop - bringing Chris' games played to a total of seventy-two (72) in his first two seasons with the program. Donese was also named All-HCAC Honorable Mention this past spring.
SO C Gary Levengood - The Beach League: Sting Rays
In his freshman campaign, Levengood played in thirty games while starting twenty-eight contests behind the plate and hitting .283 in 99 at-bats. Gary worked with a predominantly senior laden pitching staff in his first year, and will look to take over the reigns and guide a younger 2014 staff back to the conference tournament next season.
JR IF/OF Joel Musser - The Beach League: Sting Rays
Musser was asked to play quite a few different positions throughout the 2013 season; the utility man saw time at second base, third base, right field and even some time on the mound. Although he hit only .220, Joel started all thirty-six games the Jackets played this year and was tied for second in the team in stolen bases with fellow Sting Ray teammate, Donese. Rock was also fourth on the DC team in runs scored.
JR LHP Matt Goodpaster - The Beach League: Sting Rays
The southpaw saw limited work for the Jackets this past year out of the bullpen, Matt will look to play a more prominent role on the 2014 staff as DC needs to replace nearly seventy-six (76%) percent of its innings pitched from the 2013 season.
SR RHP/1B Darin Waterman - Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League
An All-HCAC 2nd Team selection for the 2013 season, Waterman hit .309 in 161 total trips to the plate. The two-way specialist racked up thirteen (13) doubles to go along with three (3) homeruns and thirty-three (33) RBI - all of which were team highs. Darin also record 61.2 innings pitched for the Yellow Jackets, starting eleven (11) games and posting a 4-3 (W-L) record with a 4.09 ERA - he did all this while striking out 64 batters in his 61.2 innings of work. Darin will play for the Grand Lake Mariners this summer of the Great Lakes League, thought to be one of the top collegiate leagues in country.
SO OF Ben Weber - Mountain Collegiate Baseball League: Cheyenne Grizzlies
Freshman outfielder Ben Weber, played in twenty-three games while starting thirteen (13) games throughout the year. Weber hit a team high .341 in those 23 games, and delivered more than a few clutch at-bats down the stretch - to help Defiance qualify for its first conference tournament in nine (9) years.
SO RHP Chris Douglas - Lake Michigan Baseball League: Chillers
Douglas recorded only three appearances throughout the course of the 2013 season, including a scoreless two inning performance against Anderson University in his first collegiate outing. Same as Goodpaster, Chris will look to improve on his game and fill a greater role on the 2014 Yellow jacket staff.
JR 1B Steve Yant - Lake Michigan Baseball League: Chillers
The big first baseman only saw time in five contests for the Jackets this past season, largely in various pinch hit situations - Yant will join Douglas in the newly formed Lake Michigan League outside of Chicago, IL this summer and will play under the tutelage of Chillers' assistant coach and recent Defiance Baseball alum, Andy Habecker.
Stay tuned for further summer ball related posts as the Diamond will also periodically highlight the aforementioned Jackets and their progress/stats throughout the course summer season.
JR IF Chris Donese - The Beach League: Sting Rays
In 148 at-bats, Donese hit .297 in 2013 and led the Jackets in hits (44) as well as not missing a single game as the team's starting shortstop - bringing Chris' games played to a total of seventy-two (72) in his first two seasons with the program. Donese was also named All-HCAC Honorable Mention this past spring.
SO C Gary Levengood - The Beach League: Sting Rays
In his freshman campaign, Levengood played in thirty games while starting twenty-eight contests behind the plate and hitting .283 in 99 at-bats. Gary worked with a predominantly senior laden pitching staff in his first year, and will look to take over the reigns and guide a younger 2014 staff back to the conference tournament next season.
JR IF/OF Joel Musser - The Beach League: Sting Rays
Musser was asked to play quite a few different positions throughout the 2013 season; the utility man saw time at second base, third base, right field and even some time on the mound. Although he hit only .220, Joel started all thirty-six games the Jackets played this year and was tied for second in the team in stolen bases with fellow Sting Ray teammate, Donese. Rock was also fourth on the DC team in runs scored.
JR LHP Matt Goodpaster - The Beach League: Sting Rays
The southpaw saw limited work for the Jackets this past year out of the bullpen, Matt will look to play a more prominent role on the 2014 staff as DC needs to replace nearly seventy-six (76%) percent of its innings pitched from the 2013 season.
SR RHP/1B Darin Waterman - Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League
An All-HCAC 2nd Team selection for the 2013 season, Waterman hit .309 in 161 total trips to the plate. The two-way specialist racked up thirteen (13) doubles to go along with three (3) homeruns and thirty-three (33) RBI - all of which were team highs. Darin also record 61.2 innings pitched for the Yellow Jackets, starting eleven (11) games and posting a 4-3 (W-L) record with a 4.09 ERA - he did all this while striking out 64 batters in his 61.2 innings of work. Darin will play for the Grand Lake Mariners this summer of the Great Lakes League, thought to be one of the top collegiate leagues in country.
SO OF Ben Weber - Mountain Collegiate Baseball League: Cheyenne Grizzlies
Freshman outfielder Ben Weber, played in twenty-three games while starting thirteen (13) games throughout the year. Weber hit a team high .341 in those 23 games, and delivered more than a few clutch at-bats down the stretch - to help Defiance qualify for its first conference tournament in nine (9) years.
SO RHP Chris Douglas - Lake Michigan Baseball League: Chillers
Douglas recorded only three appearances throughout the course of the 2013 season, including a scoreless two inning performance against Anderson University in his first collegiate outing. Same as Goodpaster, Chris will look to improve on his game and fill a greater role on the 2014 Yellow jacket staff.
JR 1B Steve Yant - Lake Michigan Baseball League: Chillers
The big first baseman only saw time in five contests for the Jackets this past season, largely in various pinch hit situations - Yant will join Douglas in the newly formed Lake Michigan League outside of Chicago, IL this summer and will play under the tutelage of Chillers' assistant coach and recent Defiance Baseball alum, Andy Habecker.
Stay tuned for further summer ball related posts as the Diamond will also periodically highlight the aforementioned Jackets and their progress/stats throughout the course summer season.
Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
May 13, 2013
A Memorable Finish
Just four days ago, this baseball program was thought of as the underdog, and in some respects it probably still is, but it was also thought to have been the lucky dog - which it most certainly proved to be untrue during the 2013 HCAC Tournament. Entering into their first conference tournament since 2004, the Jackets squeaked into the tourney picture on the last day of the regular season thanks to an Earlham sweep over Rose-Hulman. DC certainly had a chip (or maybe a Frito or two) on their shoulder as they felt they deserved to be there, when maybe not many others did.
Now although the result of their two game swing in the conference tournament may not have indicated that, the way those two games played out most definitely did. The Jackets were comfortable in the element and welcomed the underdog role, all at the same time completely dismantling the lucky rumors.
Game One: No. 4 seed Defiance had been pitted against No. 1 seed and conference regular season champ, Manchester, in the first round of tournament play. Because I must give credit where credit is due, Manchester, who was also the host team - may have had the best 3B line hecklers this coach has come across. So kudos, gentlemen. The Spartans, who in their first two games against the Jackets lit up the scoreboard pretty well (known understatement), came into the tournament as the logical pick to win and advance to the Mideast Baseball Regional.
After two and a half innings of play the Jackets had the edge, leading 2-0 on Gary Levengood's two separate RBI singles in the second and third innings, respectively. Manchester would go on to respond in the latter half of the third, plating six runs of their own to go up 6-2. The Spartans would only add one more run in the contest. Fast forward to the top of the ninth inning - Levengood recorded his fourth hit of the day as he singled to center field. JR Matt Staels came on to pinch run, as DC was down 7-5. A two out single by FR Ryan Kohlhofer sent Staels to second and put the tying run on first base. JR Aaron Helland knocked in Staels on a single to the left side, advancing the tying run to second and bringing up SO Chris Donese.
The next turn of events has been on a constant replay in my mind since about 2:30pm Thursday (5/9). Donese singled past the Manchester shortstop - Kohlhofer who was off on the crack of the bat and serving as the tying run, rounded third and turned the jets on for home. Unfortunately the ball was fielded cleanly by the left fielder, and the race started - who would get there first? The Jackets second baseman or the ball just unleashed from the Spartan outfield?
As badly as my eyes wanted to see the home plate umpire signal the runner safe, he did the complete opposite - calling Kohlhofer out at the plate to end the game and send the Jackets to the losers' bracket of the tournament. The Jackets did outhit a Manchester team who cracked the top 10 in the polls this year, by six - recording seventeen hits on the day and in the process, immediately shedding the lucky dog title.
Game Two: Win or go home. No. 2 Anderson had been defeated by No. 3 Franklin in the second game Thursday (5/9) which dropped the Ravens to losers' bracket to take on the Jackets - with the winner going on to face the loser of the Manchester/Franklin matchup. Another one run game, another solid offensive performance for the Yellow Jackets - outhitting Anderson 11-10, and another tying run left unscored in the top half of the ninth. Singles by Darin Waterman and Pat Masopust started the 9th inning off for DC, once again putting the tying run on base as DC was down 5-3. SR Andy Habecker, in what turned out to be his last collegiate at-bat, selflessly executed the sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position. SO Joel Musser drew a walk to load the bases, and now served as the go-ahead run. One out. In stepped the catcher, Levengood, looking to continue his tourney hot streak - an infield fly notched two outs. Down to their final out, pinch hitter FR Ben Weber reached on an error by the Anderson shortstop, scoring Waterman and putting the tying run 90 feet away.
With the chance to at least tie the game and possibly take the lead with a base hit, Kohlhofer stepped back into the spotlight. Battling a count to 2-2 after going down 0-2 to start the at-bat, the freshman's bat lagged just enough through the zone for a swinging strike three. Bringing the conference tournament and the 2013 season to an end for the Yellow Jackets.
Two and out is most certainly not the result we expected, but heads were held high after walking off that field, and deservedly so. This DC team notched the most wins in program history since 1995 as well as the first 20-win season since 1995 and the aforementioned first conference tournament birth since 2004.
As I reflect back on this season, not only will it go down in recent memory in terms of the Defiance College baseball program as a whole, it has also been etched into this my own personal memory bank for a long time to come. Thank you to all of you that have supported Defiance Baseball not only this season but in the past as well. I'd also like to bid farewell to the six seniors on this team that will not be joining us again next year - a great group of guys who I have complete faith will all go on to great things. Best of luck in every challenge and opportunity that presents itself to you - Hum Babe!
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
Now although the result of their two game swing in the conference tournament may not have indicated that, the way those two games played out most definitely did. The Jackets were comfortable in the element and welcomed the underdog role, all at the same time completely dismantling the lucky rumors.
Game One: No. 4 seed Defiance had been pitted against No. 1 seed and conference regular season champ, Manchester, in the first round of tournament play. Because I must give credit where credit is due, Manchester, who was also the host team - may have had the best 3B line hecklers this coach has come across. So kudos, gentlemen. The Spartans, who in their first two games against the Jackets lit up the scoreboard pretty well (known understatement), came into the tournament as the logical pick to win and advance to the Mideast Baseball Regional.
After two and a half innings of play the Jackets had the edge, leading 2-0 on Gary Levengood's two separate RBI singles in the second and third innings, respectively. Manchester would go on to respond in the latter half of the third, plating six runs of their own to go up 6-2. The Spartans would only add one more run in the contest. Fast forward to the top of the ninth inning - Levengood recorded his fourth hit of the day as he singled to center field. JR Matt Staels came on to pinch run, as DC was down 7-5. A two out single by FR Ryan Kohlhofer sent Staels to second and put the tying run on first base. JR Aaron Helland knocked in Staels on a single to the left side, advancing the tying run to second and bringing up SO Chris Donese.
The next turn of events has been on a constant replay in my mind since about 2:30pm Thursday (5/9). Donese singled past the Manchester shortstop - Kohlhofer who was off on the crack of the bat and serving as the tying run, rounded third and turned the jets on for home. Unfortunately the ball was fielded cleanly by the left fielder, and the race started - who would get there first? The Jackets second baseman or the ball just unleashed from the Spartan outfield?
As badly as my eyes wanted to see the home plate umpire signal the runner safe, he did the complete opposite - calling Kohlhofer out at the plate to end the game and send the Jackets to the losers' bracket of the tournament. The Jackets did outhit a Manchester team who cracked the top 10 in the polls this year, by six - recording seventeen hits on the day and in the process, immediately shedding the lucky dog title.
Game Two: Win or go home. No. 2 Anderson had been defeated by No. 3 Franklin in the second game Thursday (5/9) which dropped the Ravens to losers' bracket to take on the Jackets - with the winner going on to face the loser of the Manchester/Franklin matchup. Another one run game, another solid offensive performance for the Yellow Jackets - outhitting Anderson 11-10, and another tying run left unscored in the top half of the ninth. Singles by Darin Waterman and Pat Masopust started the 9th inning off for DC, once again putting the tying run on base as DC was down 5-3. SR Andy Habecker, in what turned out to be his last collegiate at-bat, selflessly executed the sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position. SO Joel Musser drew a walk to load the bases, and now served as the go-ahead run. One out. In stepped the catcher, Levengood, looking to continue his tourney hot streak - an infield fly notched two outs. Down to their final out, pinch hitter FR Ben Weber reached on an error by the Anderson shortstop, scoring Waterman and putting the tying run 90 feet away.
With the chance to at least tie the game and possibly take the lead with a base hit, Kohlhofer stepped back into the spotlight. Battling a count to 2-2 after going down 0-2 to start the at-bat, the freshman's bat lagged just enough through the zone for a swinging strike three. Bringing the conference tournament and the 2013 season to an end for the Yellow Jackets.
Two and out is most certainly not the result we expected, but heads were held high after walking off that field, and deservedly so. This DC team notched the most wins in program history since 1995 as well as the first 20-win season since 1995 and the aforementioned first conference tournament birth since 2004.
As I reflect back on this season, not only will it go down in recent memory in terms of the Defiance College baseball program as a whole, it has also been etched into this my own personal memory bank for a long time to come. Thank you to all of you that have supported Defiance Baseball not only this season but in the past as well. I'd also like to bid farewell to the six seniors on this team that will not be joining us again next year - a great group of guys who I have complete faith will all go on to great things. Best of luck in every challenge and opportunity that presents itself to you - Hum Babe!
Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
May 7, 2013
Tourney Tweets
This past Sunday (5/6) saw the Defiance College baseball team qualify for its first conference tournament since 2004 - greatly aided by the Earlham College sweep over Rose-Hulman. The full story on the Jackets' tourney birth as according to the Diamond, can be found here.
The emotion and reaction from the DC players and staff once we found out we had made the tournament has been hard for me to put into words. So instead of trying to summarize it, I figured why not let the emotion speak for itself. Enjoy a first hand look at the reactions from players, staff, and even a few fans of the program.
The emotion and reaction from the DC players and staff once we found out we had made the tournament has been hard for me to put into words. So instead of trying to summarize it, I figured why not let the emotion speak for itself. Enjoy a first hand look at the reactions from players, staff, and even a few fans of the program.
Defiance Baseball qualifies for the HCAC Tournament for the 1st time since 2004 after Earlham completed the sweep of Rose-Hulman! #DCBB
— Defiance Athletics (@DC_Athletics) May 5, 2013
Started at the bottom now we here! #letsgo #DCBASEBALL
— Ryan Kohlhacker (@rkohlhofer2) May 5, 2013
Huge congrats to @dcbaseball16 and the rest of #DCBaseball. Proud to be the other half of #teamspringtime with you guys!
— Kaycee Butt (@kayceebutt22) May 5, 2013
Conference tournament here we come baby! #DCBaseball #StartedFromTheBottom
— Matt Staels (@WasheeWashee21) May 5, 2013
We're in baby!!!! Wooooooo #DCBaseball
— Chris Douglas (@TheReal_CDoug) May 5, 2013
Speechless!!! Craziest two days of my life. But we're dancin baby #surviveandadvance #DCBaseball #hcactourney #startedfromthebottom
— Chris Donese (@doedoe_1) May 5, 2013
Earlham sweeps Rose Hulman. Congratulations to DC Baseball for earning a berth in the HCAC Tournament! #proud #200feet
— Coach Woodley (@DCBaseball16) May 5, 2013
Hope no one has packed up their practice gear and equipment yet, cause #DCBaseball is playoff bound! #HCACTournament #d3b
— Cameron Castro (@OnOffTheDiamond) May 5, 2013
Congrats to the woodman @dcbaseball16 and @onoffthediamond and the whole #DCbaseball squad on making it to the HCAC tourney. #200feet
— Jacob Hindall (@JKHindo64) May 5, 2013
Whirlwind of events and emotions yesterday.. Graduated college and made conference tourney.. Lets take advantage! #DCBaseball
— Jonathan Murphy (@MurphAlert2) May 6, 2013
Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.
Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond
May 6, 2013
Postseason Bound!
There are few words that can really sum up one of the more emotional roller coaster rides in Defiance College baseball's recent history. The bumpy ride began this past Friday (5/3) at 4pm and concluded Sunday (5/6) at approximately 6pm.
It is with great pride and excitement that I'm able to say WE ARE POSTSEASON BOUND!
For the first time since 2004, the Yellow Jackets have qualified for their conference tournament - which adds to a season that has already seen the most wins and first 20 win season since 1995. Some may even say the roller coaster ride started in February, when DC was picked to finish last in the preseason conference poll.
The scenario was as such: the Jackets were under the impression that two wins against Transylvania in the last 3-game series of the season would secure them a spot in the HCAC conference tournament (as the #4 seed) - in conjunction with those two wins, DC also needed second place Anderson to win one out of three against sixth place Franklin, to hold off the Grizzlies and keep them out of the mix.
In Friday's GM 1 action v. Transy, the Jackets went on to win by a score of 2-1 lead predominantly by pitching performances from three members of the Yellow Jacket staff. SP Darin Waterman secured his fourth win of the season by tossing 7 innings and surrendering the only Pioneer run of the game. Waterman exited and left the ball in the hands of Aaron Patterson who threw a scoreless eighth inning on just seven pitches. SR Alex Schomaeker (#AlShoe) then came on in the bottom half of the ninth to close the door and earn his ninth save of the year - bettering Patterson' seven pitch inning with just one pitch per batter, retiring the side.
Following the game, we found out that Franklin had claimed game one over Anderson in an offensive explosion. Still thinking that the Ravens from Anderson would take at least one game of the doubleheader against Franklin the following day - we felt as if a DH split with Transy still got us in the Heartland dance.
In Game 2 of the Defiance/Transy series the Jackets did their part. Defeating the Pioneers 6-3, led by SR Jake Taylor's team leading sixth win of the year while FR Ryan Kohlhofer turned in a 2-4 performance with 2 RBI and SR 3B Andy Habecker added three hits of his own. Patterson and Schomaeker would again toss scoreless eighth and ninth innings, respectively - earning Schomaeker his conference leading tenth save on the year. Following the game, news traveled that Franklin again had beaten Anderson to go up 2-0 in the series.
From there on the situation was simple - if DC swept the series against Transy, the Jackets were in, regardless of the outcome of Franklin's last game v. Anderson. However, if the Grizzlies got the job done against Anderson and DC fell to the Pioneers, Defiance would be on the outside looking in come tourney time.
Unfortunately the latter is exactly what happened. Defiance lost game three to Transylvania 3-0, unable to muster any offense including only 3 hits against a very good Pioneer pitching performance - Franklin then went on to complete the sweep of second place Anderson and clinch their spot in the conference tournament. Needless to say, the four-hour bus ride back to Northwest Ohio was a somber one indeed. For all intent and purposes, the Jackets did what they drove down to Lexington to do, but sadly two out of three was simply not enough. At the time.
What transpired over the next 24 hours still leaves me in disbelief.
After the third game against Transy had concluded, and Franklin had secured their spot in the tournament - DC did still have one bit of hope left to cling on to. If ninth place Earlham College could manage a three-game sweep over third place Rose-Hulman, the Jackets would leap frog Rose and take over the fourth and final spot in the conference tournament. Going into their series Earlham's conference record stood at 5-16, while Rose found themselves at 12-9.
Game one of the Earlham Quaker and Rose-Hulman Engineer series went to EC by a score of 10-3. Most of everyone on the bus, myself included, were watching live stats on their phones - constantly clicking the 'refresh' button. Steadily the mood increased and by the time we got off the bus, Jackets' Head Coach Derek Woodley told the team "I've got a really good feeling about tomorrow." Of course referring to the doubleheader between Earlham and Rose-Hulman, scheduled to start at 12pm.
With Game two of the series beginning at the same time as Defiance's commencement ceremony, the buzz around campus was more focused on the action going on in Richmond, IN rather than the action on the stage right in front of them. With my eyes glued to my phone, and possibly a maroon undershirt on, I watched Earlham claw their way to an 8-7 victory over Rose. One more game to go.
Through 4 and half innings of play in the third and final game, Earlham and Rose were knotted at 3 - a two run fifth inning would give the Quakers the lead. At this point I had upgraded from live stats to a live video feed. With all different types of people with a connection to the Yellow Jacket program watching, including a large group of players and their families all huddled around one computer screen - Earlham would go on to score four more runs and beat the Engineers by a final of 9-4. Rose-Hulman was swept out of the conference tournament picture. And the Yellow Jackets of Defiance would be stepping in.
As I reflect back on the events of this past weekend, I still feel like I'll be waking up any minute, but please, no one pinch me just yet. I'm not ready. The Jackets play this Thursday (5/9) at 12pm against No. 1 seed Manchester, the regular season champ and tournament host as well. Seeding for the tournament: 1) Manchester, 2) Anderson, 3) Franklin and 4) Defiance.
For up to the minute coverage, including pre-game lineups and post-game score summaries, from North Manchester, IN later this week - follow the Diamond on Twitter. For live stats and in-game coverage visit the conference website. Conference tournament format is double elimination with games Thursday and Friday, and the championship game to be played Saturday (5/11) at 12pm.
It is with great pride and excitement that I'm able to say WE ARE POSTSEASON BOUND!
For the first time since 2004, the Yellow Jackets have qualified for their conference tournament - which adds to a season that has already seen the most wins and first 20 win season since 1995. Some may even say the roller coaster ride started in February, when DC was picked to finish last in the preseason conference poll.
The scenario was as such: the Jackets were under the impression that two wins against Transylvania in the last 3-game series of the season would secure them a spot in the HCAC conference tournament (as the #4 seed) - in conjunction with those two wins, DC also needed second place Anderson to win one out of three against sixth place Franklin, to hold off the Grizzlies and keep them out of the mix.
In Friday's GM 1 action v. Transy, the Jackets went on to win by a score of 2-1 lead predominantly by pitching performances from three members of the Yellow Jacket staff. SP Darin Waterman secured his fourth win of the season by tossing 7 innings and surrendering the only Pioneer run of the game. Waterman exited and left the ball in the hands of Aaron Patterson who threw a scoreless eighth inning on just seven pitches. SR Alex Schomaeker (#AlShoe) then came on in the bottom half of the ninth to close the door and earn his ninth save of the year - bettering Patterson' seven pitch inning with just one pitch per batter, retiring the side.
Following the game, we found out that Franklin had claimed game one over Anderson in an offensive explosion. Still thinking that the Ravens from Anderson would take at least one game of the doubleheader against Franklin the following day - we felt as if a DH split with Transy still got us in the Heartland dance.
In Game 2 of the Defiance/Transy series the Jackets did their part. Defeating the Pioneers 6-3, led by SR Jake Taylor's team leading sixth win of the year while FR Ryan Kohlhofer turned in a 2-4 performance with 2 RBI and SR 3B Andy Habecker added three hits of his own. Patterson and Schomaeker would again toss scoreless eighth and ninth innings, respectively - earning Schomaeker his conference leading tenth save on the year. Following the game, news traveled that Franklin again had beaten Anderson to go up 2-0 in the series.
From there on the situation was simple - if DC swept the series against Transy, the Jackets were in, regardless of the outcome of Franklin's last game v. Anderson. However, if the Grizzlies got the job done against Anderson and DC fell to the Pioneers, Defiance would be on the outside looking in come tourney time.
Unfortunately the latter is exactly what happened. Defiance lost game three to Transylvania 3-0, unable to muster any offense including only 3 hits against a very good Pioneer pitching performance - Franklin then went on to complete the sweep of second place Anderson and clinch their spot in the conference tournament. Needless to say, the four-hour bus ride back to Northwest Ohio was a somber one indeed. For all intent and purposes, the Jackets did what they drove down to Lexington to do, but sadly two out of three was simply not enough. At the time.
What transpired over the next 24 hours still leaves me in disbelief.
After the third game against Transy had concluded, and Franklin had secured their spot in the tournament - DC did still have one bit of hope left to cling on to. If ninth place Earlham College could manage a three-game sweep over third place Rose-Hulman, the Jackets would leap frog Rose and take over the fourth and final spot in the conference tournament. Going into their series Earlham's conference record stood at 5-16, while Rose found themselves at 12-9.
Game one of the Earlham Quaker and Rose-Hulman Engineer series went to EC by a score of 10-3. Most of everyone on the bus, myself included, were watching live stats on their phones - constantly clicking the 'refresh' button. Steadily the mood increased and by the time we got off the bus, Jackets' Head Coach Derek Woodley told the team "I've got a really good feeling about tomorrow." Of course referring to the doubleheader between Earlham and Rose-Hulman, scheduled to start at 12pm.
With Game two of the series beginning at the same time as Defiance's commencement ceremony, the buzz around campus was more focused on the action going on in Richmond, IN rather than the action on the stage right in front of them. With my eyes glued to my phone, and possibly a maroon undershirt on, I watched Earlham claw their way to an 8-7 victory over Rose. One more game to go.
Through 4 and half innings of play in the third and final game, Earlham and Rose were knotted at 3 - a two run fifth inning would give the Quakers the lead. At this point I had upgraded from live stats to a live video feed. With all different types of people with a connection to the Yellow Jacket program watching, including a large group of players and their families all huddled around one computer screen - Earlham would go on to score four more runs and beat the Engineers by a final of 9-4. Rose-Hulman was swept out of the conference tournament picture. And the Yellow Jackets of Defiance would be stepping in.
Baseball:Earlham 8, 9, Rose-Hulman 7, 4 (Final) Quakers sweep of Engineers delivers Defiance a #HCAC tournament berth #d3bEUPHORIA! It's the only word that comes to mind.
— HCAC (@HCACDIII) May 5, 2013
As I reflect back on the events of this past weekend, I still feel like I'll be waking up any minute, but please, no one pinch me just yet. I'm not ready. The Jackets play this Thursday (5/9) at 12pm against No. 1 seed Manchester, the regular season champ and tournament host as well. Seeding for the tournament: 1) Manchester, 2) Anderson, 3) Franklin and 4) Defiance.
For up to the minute coverage, including pre-game lineups and post-game score summaries, from North Manchester, IN later this week - follow the Diamond on Twitter. For live stats and in-game coverage visit the conference website. Conference tournament format is double elimination with games Thursday and Friday, and the championship game to be played Saturday (5/11) at 12pm.
Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.
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