Spring is in full swing and along with it is baseball season. The weather is nice and the boys are in tight pants, so why not head over to support your fellow students and school athletic representatives? But before you head outdoors, here’s a quick checklist to make sure you have everything you need to be the ultimate Laker bleacher creature.
The Basics:
With every event, you need to know the five w’s that your teachers taught you way back in elementary school. Who, what, when, where and why?
Who: We’ve already established that, but we’ll say it again: The Oswego State baseball team.
What: It’s the baseball team, so make sure you’re familiar with the rules of the game so you’re not caught randomly yelling at the umpires (not referees) for something stupid. For a quick recap of the rules the Lakers play under, check out the SUNYAC (SUNY athletic conference) website.
When: The Lakers take on Cazenovia college on Tuesday, April 19 at 2p.m in their next home game. Look at the schedule for other matchups this season.
Where: Games are held at the Laker field complex, which surrounds Romney Fieldhouse and Laker Hall. Laker field complex hosts all men’s and women’s lacrosse, women’s softball, and men’s tennis teams as well, and the complex is across the road from main campus. It’s located on Johnson Road, or County Route 7, and there are two parking lots — one on the north side of the complex and one on the south side. If you’re going to watch baseball, try to get a spot in the south side parking lot.
Why: To support your school and friends! Plus, every game is free to the public, so you’re not spending a dime to watch the friendly competition. Tickets do not need to be purchased either, so no waiting in long lines beforehand. Just hop in your car and go!
About the Lakers:
The Oswego State baseball team is coached by Frank Paino and assisted by Bob Ascenzi, Bryan Stark, Andy Salvatore and Matt Deveney. Twenty-seven men make up the roster with 19 upperclassmen and eight freshmen. The team finished the 2010 season with a 20-14 record, but is hoping to improve this year and secure a bid into SUNYACs. The Lakers currently hold an 11-12 overall record and 1-9 in the conference.
From what we’ve seen thus far, the Lakers have a strong pitching team and back it up with good defense. However, their offense has been seriously lacking, so let’s get the crowd out there to help them break out the bats!
What’s in Style:
Oswego is known for the unpredictable weather, so always make sure you have layers stowed away in the car for any type of mishap. But in general, the necessities you’ll need to successfully enjoy a game:
- An Oswego State hoodie or sweatshirt. It can get windy and the field is at a higher altitude than main campus, so bring a sweatshirt to make sure you stay warm on the bleachers. Stash away a pair of gloves if you get cold easily, too. Better safe than sorry!
- A blanket. Whether it’s to cover your lap or sit on, you’ll want a blanket with some cushion to keep your tush from going numb.
- Sneakers or boots. Until it’s closer to summer, leave the flip flops at home. April showers bring may flowers and the grounds can get pretty muddy. So unless you want your feet to match the color of your black sandals, slip on a pair of sneaks that can handle a little dirt and grime.
- Sunglasses. The bleachers sit in the direct sunlight and you want to be able to actually see the players. You never know when a foul ball will be hit over the fence either, so it’s better if you can see a baseball flying toward you.
Tips and Tricks:
The baseball games can be a lot of fun to watch and you’re always bound to hear a few good country songs playing in between innings. Country not your thing? Let it be known and the sports information workers might mix it up for you. Seeing a baseball game is a great way to support your athletic teams without all of the hassle that accompanies a hockey game. No long ticket lines, no huge crowd of pushy students trying to get close to the glass and no wondering if the game will be sold out. It’s outside, so the seats are unlimited! These Lakers often plays double headers too, so if you can’t make it out for the start of the first game, wait a few hours and you’ll be ready to catch your Lakers in action for the second.
See you in the crowd, collegiettes™!