When you’re about a month out from the big game, any match between the two foes feels like its own version of the jug game. Cross-town rivals Ithaca and Cortland faced off against one another on the diamond in a pre-season exhibition as part of a charity event for the Racker Center. Photo Credit: Strictly Photos
October baseball is a blessing to those who enjoy the American pastime. Whether you are rooting for your favorite major league team through their World Series hunt or your local college team in a pre-season rivalry, something about the slight breeze and colder weather fall ball brings an intensity to games that’s hard to duplicate. According to NCAA athletic regulations Division III baseball teams are permitted one playing date with a max of 18 innings during the non-traditional fall season. For the second year in a row Cortland decided to play Ithaca for their exhibition date. The game this year was apart of a charity event for a local business.
For over 75 years Racker has assisted locals and families in the Cortland, Tompkins, and Tioga counties with strength based support for individuals with disabilities. Rackers offers programs and services to over 3,500 people in a mission to support people with disabilities and their families to lead fulfilling lives by providing opportunities to learn and be connected with others. Prior to the game merchandise was sold, raffles were held, and Racker students were involved with attractions and activities on the field. All proceeds made during the event will support Racker and its mission. For more information on Racker you can visit their website at www.racker.org.
After the match I spoke with senior catcher/outfielder, Connor Lynch, from Wappingers Falls, NY. Since his freshman year Lynch has proven to be an excellent fielder, and reliable player that makes winning plays. During our conversation I asked Connor a few questions about his overall experience at the event. “Having the opportunity for our team to be around and interact with the Racker Center representatives and some participants is a good experience and brings light to an organization that gives back to young students with disabilities” was the first thing he told me.
We discussed the exhibitions played and also looked forward to the season identifying expectations for this new roster. “The games went great since we won all 3, the team coming together and supporting each other through success and failure kept everyone at an even keel…everyone showed up and did their jobs, it was a fun experience to see and be apart of”. As for end of the season here’s what Lynch had to say “Expectations are always high for a Cortland baseball team, we are starting to see what this new team is all about and everyone is eager to get better to compete as a squad. This sense of competitiveness and commitment to a team is exciting to be a part of for this upcoming season. The goal as a team is to bring a championship back to Cstate, which I believe everyone has their sights set on.”
With the regular season opener less than four months away on February 19th at the D3 showcase in Greensboro, North Carolina. It’ll be fun to compare how the team has looked in pre-season action to the changes and refinements they make for opening day.