By Chris Howell
Spring is here, and as we move past the April showers, baseballs fill the air in place of rain. Since the first recorded game in 1846, baseball has been entertaining fans in this country and throughout the world. There may be no cure for spring fever, but if you come down with a case of baseball fever, RVCC has the prescription: The Golden Lions.
Golden Lions Head Coach Matt Sommo is a former RVCC student athlete. “I met a lot of my closest friends when I was at RVCC,” said Sommo. “I continue to play baseball with them to this day.”
The current roster is full, with 17 students, a mix of underclassmen and upperclassmen.
In other years the Golden Lions haven’t had such luck. Occasionally it has been hard to field a team, but this year it was “no trouble” said Sommo.
The Lions have three captains: first baseman and pitcher Jason Snyder, centerfielder Steve Struble, and second baseman Jared Pasko. Team captains carry more responsibilities than others on the team. The captains serve as coaches on the field, making sure the team maintains a positive attitude during games, lead the team in pre-game stretches and transport equipment to and from games.
Despite the full roster, the team has been struggling on the field this year. Early on, the team’s main weakness was in their pitching. Although the team boasts four pitchers, that’s too few to leave much time for rest between contests. Nevertheless, the pitching staff has been flourishing as of late. Jason Snyder, Ernie Lukacs, Larry Doyle, and Lou Falciani have all recorded pitching victories. In addition, Shawn D’Anunciacao and Lukacs each have a save on the season.
The team plays a 29-game season, but due to inclement weather, this year they’ll play 25 games or fewer. The Lions play 15 teams, including Brookdale, Union County and Bergen County community colleges. At press time the team’s record was 4 wins with 18 losses.
The Golden Lions’ biggest rival is Middlesex County College, which the team has faced twice this season. The two colleges are near one another, and have played close games. Although they lost their first match this season, the Lions won the April 20 game, 11 to 9.
The team’s wins can be credited to their hitting. In their few wins this season, the team posted double digit hitting performances. Captains Struble and Snyder are batting over .400 for the season and have more than 10 RBI’S. Shortstop John Velella and outfielder Mike Miklosey have also hit well as of late, and have the ability to get on base any time they step to the plate.
In spite of their record this season, the Lions of the past and present have had some great success. The strength of this year’s squad lies in their defense and their speed, according to Coach Sommo. “In previous years we have struggled defensively, but this season our infield has picked it up with Brandon Founds at third base and John Velella at shortstop.” The overall team speed is helpful for both base running and stealing. Eight players on the team have at least one stolen base on the season.
A few players have gone on to play at 4-year schools. John Anderson, a former Lions pitcher, now takes the mound for the Bloomfield College Deacons.
For students who like to play baseball and would like a shot to play for the Lions, there are a few things to consider. For one thing, to play for the team you must be a full time student and maintain good academic standing.
The other thing is to loosen up and be you, Coach Sommo said. The team is always looking for new players and returning students should give thought to trying out for the team next year.
“Don’t be afraid to come out for the baseball team or any of the other sports here at RVCC,” he said.
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