Hardballers swing for City Series

They may have lost one of the best hitters in Yale history to the Major League Baseball draft, but this year's Eli baseball squad isn't worried.

The team, led by outfielder and captain Keith Caggiano, DC '97, recognizes the gap left by outfielder/pitcher Dan Thompson, ES '96, but plans to compensate for the loss with young talent and improvement from the veteran players.

"We've lost a few big hitters, so some of the older players will have to step up to fill that place. After the freshman have settled in and gotten used to college baseball, there is no reason why we can't be a great deal stronger than last year's team," pitcher Bobby Griggs, MC '97, said.

This weekend, the Bulldogs play ball for the first time this fall in the annual City Series. After a disappointing loss last year, the team is hungry for victories in both of their games.

Their first game is on Fri., Oct. 4 against the team that beat them last year, Southern Connecticut State. If they win that game, they advance to play the winner of the other game between the University of New Haven and Quinnipiac College.

"We want to win the City Series," Caggiano said. "This is not a time for us to experiment and get a look at the freshmen; this is a time to win."

The team also looks forward to the twilight doubleheader against the University of Connecticut on Fri., Oct. 11. They plan to make an impressive showing for Parents' Weekend and come away with victories.

Veterans like outfielder Matthew Bird, TC '97, second baseman Tommy Kidwell, CC '98, pitchers Eric Gutshall, TD '98, Rich Perez, DC '97, and catcher Todd Kasper, PC '99, have all raised their game to new levels, both offensively and defensively, to insure a successful season for the Blue. They understand the intensity and commitment necessary to establish themselves.

Their work ethic will surely influence the freshmen, showing them what is necessary in college for a win. The future looks promising as newcomers John Levy, BR '00, Brian Ivy, SY '00, Tony Coyne, BK '00, and Mike Kahney, JE '00, join the team.

"The older players have really influenced us," Coyne said, "I've only been here for a month and I have already become a much better player. Their attitudes have really affected me in a positive way."

"In looking at what's ahead for the fall to prepare for the spring season," Caggiano said. "Our major objectives are to look at the freshmen and see how they will fit in, and also to look at the returning players and see who has improved. We have the four games that we really want to win, but for the most part we will experiment in practices to see how the team will shape up in the spring."