Big spring planned for Bulldog baseball team

By Peter Smith

The smell of hot dogs, the sight of green grass, the echoes of baseballs cracking off bats...Do these thoughts seem premature? Believe it or not, winter has almost passed, and springtime baseball is a-comin'.

The Bulldogs, led by coach John Stuper, are coming off a tough season that, while exhibiting several promising moments, ended without a spot in the playoffs. The players have definitely noticed the gap left by one of the best hitters inYale's baseball history, Dan Thompson, ES '96. He won the the 1996 Ivy League Player of the Year award and produced offensive stats that broke several school records. Veterans and newcomers alike, however, plan to quickly
fill Thompson's void and reclaim the Red Rolfe Division championship that they have won three out of the last
four years.

One of the key players on the roster, captain and leftfielder Keith Caggiano, DC '97, exemplifies the work ethic and determination necessary to bring the title back to the Elis. The combination of his offensive numbers and his strong and motivational leadership will be crucial to the team's success. "After the disappointing end of last season, we will settle for nothing less than winning the Ivy League Championship, and possibly the Regional as well," Caggiano said. "For now, we just need to go out and play well each game and take it all in little steps."

Centerfielder Matthew Bird, TC '97, will also be responsible for a large share of the team's offense. With 17 career home runs, Bird has a chance to best the Yale record of 25. This goal is certainly not out of reach for the hardhitting senior; his nine freshman year homers showed that he has the necessary power. Bird rounds out his talents with spectacular defense and speed, having made several amazing catches during his career.

Speedy Ben Johnstone, BR '00, who hit near .500 in the limited fall season, will occupy right field this season. Several other players, including Rob Farnen, TD '98, Rick West, DC '97, and Greg Janis, MC '98, may see some time at this position.

The team expects a great deal from second baseman Tommy Kidwell, CC '98, whose offensive and defensive abilities have distinguished him as a go-to player for this Eli campaign. At first base will be David Dodge, BR '97, who has played three different positions during his time at Yale. His transition to his new assignment, however, was a smooth one. "This past fall, [Dodge] looked like he had played first base all of his life," Stuper said. Newcomer Brian Ivy, SY '00, at shortstop, and Rob Farnen, TD '98, at third base, will split responsibilities on the other side of the infield. Tony Coyne, BK '00, will also rotate in at the third base position.

The duo of Jimmy Bryan, MC '98, and Todd Kasper, PC '99, will see time behind the plate this year. Both players have shown tremendous improvement. At this point, the starting job is still up in the air and either catcher could claim it. Bryan, a great defensive backstop, is arguably the strongest player on the team. Kasper boasts an arm comparable to that of a major league player, while his clutch hitting has helped the Bulldogs in several tough situations. The fact that one is lefthanded and the other is righthanded works to the Eli advantage. No doubt they will both contribute to the line-up; when one catches, the other will most likely fill the designated hitter spot.

One of the most important components of any successful baseball team is a strong, consistent pitching staff. The Blue has several excellent pitchers who will try to improve upon last season's 5.41 ERA. With five complete games and 47 strikeouts last year, Eric Gutshall, TD '98, will be this year's top starter. "As long as we keep playing to our potential without always thinking about the championship, the wins and losses will take care of themselves," Gutshall said. Mike Finnegan, SY '99, will fill the second slot, followed by newcomers Jon Levy, BR '00, and Sudha Reddy, PC '00. Bobby Griggs, MC '97, Rich Perez, DC '97, Randy Forman, SM '00, and Matt Manewal, BK '00, may also see significant time on the mound.

The Blue looks forward to its opener, a double-header at Georgetown next Sat., Mar. 8. Each year, Yale matches up against some of the best baseball teams in the ACC and SEC conferences before beginning their Ivy schedule. This
year, the Bulldogs will play 15 games over break, then return to Yale for conference competition.

Stuper believes that the most important factor for this year's team will be consistent pitching. "With the mild winter, we've been able to practice outside quite a bit, and I really like what I have seen," he said. "We need to have a good bullpen, and starters who can throw strikes consistently. If we can do that, and the offense keeps swinging the bats well, we'll have a terrific season."

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