The Purchase Baseball Team only practiced on an actual baseball field once during this season, according to co-captain Philip Sanford on March 8, 2011.
“It is impossible for outfielders to practice fly balls, and ground balls for infielders are unrealistic on the smooth, hard gym floor,” said Sanford. “We are limited to indoor batting cages, which is a much different visual perspective for the hitters and somewhat dangers for our pitchers,” he added.
Due to the heavy snow and the damp weather, the Purchase baseball field has been in poor condition making conditioning for the season a difficulty. “We have been practicing inside the gym on campus,” said Coach Bill Guerrero.
“The workouts are productive to a point because we cannot simulate a diamond. We are able to do some core skill drills but nothing like going outside,” he said.
Despite being unable to practice outside, team members are still confident. “I would say that we’re ready,” said freshman ball player Robert Mantesta. “I think we’ve practiced enough. We’ve had morning and evening gym workouts, and we’ve also practice outside in the fall.”
According to Coach Guerrero, the progression of the baseball team is difficult to determine due to lack of outside play this season. “My only solace will be that other schools are facing the same challenge,” said Guerrero.
So, are they 100% ready to play ball? Sanford says maybe not – but “we’ve all been playing this game since we could walk, and the sport hasn’t changed much.” It is good to know that the damp weather did not dampen the spirit.