Athlete of the Week

Tony Coyne, BK '00 Baseball shortstop Hometown: Huntingtown, Md. Height: 5'11" Weight: 190 lbs. Favorite candy: York Peppermint Patty Favorite pro sports moment: "Ripken's 2,131st game—I was there." Favorite personal sports moment: "It'll come in early May 2000 when we beat Princeton for the Ivy Championship."

Coyne has been setting records since he first stepped on the diamond at Yale Field. In his freshman year, he was second-team All-Ivy, and his sophomore year, he set the Yale record for single season assists and was named Ivy Player of the Year. He was also elected co-MVP of Yale's '98 team.

Last year, despite an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament, Coyne was a first team All-Ivy pick. He limited himself to the designated hitter's spot rather than have surgery, but still managed to be a presence. He finished second on the team in batting average (.417) and led the team in home runs, belting a total of six on the year.

Not bad numbers...for a football players Coyne was recruited as a quarterback by the University of Maryland, but instead chose baseball and Yale.

Teammates recognize that Coyne takes command on and off the field. "He is a great leader, and the best player in the Ivies," first baseman Mike Kahney, JE '00, said. "Being elected captain is the ultimate sign of respect, and he has the respect of the entire team." Kahney added that the combination of Coyne at shortstop and Bo Ivy, SY '01, at second base gives the team talented, experienced veterans in the middle infield.

The experience that Coyne brings to the game add to the Bulldogs' strengths at many positions. "His presence brings confidence to the pitching staff," said starting left-hander Matt McCarthy, TD '02, last year's Ivy Rookie of the Year. "He gives us a chance to win every game."

Another one of Coyne's roles is to act as a mediator between the coaches and the players on the team. "Tony gives suggestions when he sees something that needs to be changed," McCarthy said. "He is very honest. He lets you know what you should be doing. His honesty is something that I, and the rest of the team, really respect."

Coyne is anxiously awaiting the rest of the season. "After a very disappointing season last year, we felt that changes needed to be made," he said. "We made changes over the summer and during the off-season. The level of team commitment and positive attitude is definitely better."

With Coyne's leadership abilities, his forceful presence on and off the field, and an improved lineup, the Elis will be a strong contender for the Ivy title. "We are much improved, and I really think that we can win the Ivy Championship this year," Coyne said.

Photo by Julia Tiernan.

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