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Spartans Baseball
2009 Season Preview
Rob Kennuth begins his first-season at the helm of a D’Youville baseball program that, in his view, “...is under transformation. Our team needs to develop confidence in their ability and regain the positive attitude necessary to be competitive. We are going to retool our way of thinking and start believing in our talents and our ability to succeed. Every day we ask our players to work hard and be a part of the foundation of a program that is aiming to be a contender.”
The new skipper has almost a fifty-fifty mix of veteran and first-year players on this season’s roster.
“The returning players are rejuvenated, energetic, and enthusiastic about playing once again. They have dedicated themselves to the fundamentals of the game; the positive mental aspects needed, and have once again found their desire and passion for the game which is evident by their level of play. The first year players have adapted well to this philosophy and should make a major impact immediately,” states Kennuth.
Sophomore infielder Zach Smith (Cheektowaga, NY/JFK) is the team’s top returning threat at the plate. Smith batted .311 in his freshman campaign and led the team in extra-base hits, slugging percentage, and tied for the team lead in RBI.
A pair of juniors are coming off their best offensive seasons. Derek Torpey (Elba, NY/Elba) has backstopped 54-straight games behind the plate, and last season was hit a career-high .264 and led the team in runs scored and stolen bases. Brandon Smith (Newfane, NY/Newfane) also batted a career-best .264 and was tied for the team lead in RBI.
Also making an impact in the infield this season will be freshman shortstop Jordan Vokes (Caledonia, NY/Caledonia-Mumford), first baseman Jeremy Sajdak (Rochester, NY/Churchville-Chili), and catcher Danny Gittens (Rochester, NY/Churchville-Chili).
The outfield will be patrolled by veteran players Kevin Buffham (Dickinson Center, NY/SUNY Canton), Shayne Christie (Brampton, ONT/Cardinal Leger) and James Vacanti (Elba, NY/Elba). They will be joined by freshmen Brett Shay (Elmira, NY/Elmira Free Academy) and Bob Mohring (Depew, NY/St. Mary’s).
Third-year pitcher Jeffrey Wells (Blasdell, NY/St. Francis), and freshman Ryan Donalty (Rochester, NY/Greece Odyssey) anchor a pitching staff that will also receive a number of contributions from other roster players.
Kennuth has plan for this season that his players have already bought into, “we are gearing ourselves towards the ‘team’ philosophy and we are learning how to win, hustle, and never give up in any situation. There is electricity at each practice because of our solid team chemistry and a unique bond between returning and first year players. Because the chemistry is at tremendous level, we look forward to a successful and competitive season.”
Another change to the program this season is a change in venue for home contests. The Spartans will utilize Amherst Audubon Field, located at the Amherst Pepsi Center, for all but one of their home dates. The lone exception will be the April 20th doubleheader versus Medaille College that be held at Coca-Cola Field, home of the Triple-A International League Buffalo Bisons.
The 2009 D’Youville schedule begins with the team’s first-ever appearance at the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational (Mar. 20-26).
