The SUNY Cortland Club Baseball team has returned to the field for the spring semester, beginning preparations for a new season set to start in early March. After a long winter break, the team has completed its first two practices and is focused on getting back into playing shape.
Early practices have emphasized rebuilding chemistry and shaking off offseason rust as players adjust back to game speed. With returning members and new players joining the roster, the team is using the limited preseason time to prepare for upcoming competition in the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA).
“The first couple practices were honestly just about getting back into the swing of things,” said Joe Hanson, a member of the team. “Everybody was kinda rusty at first, but it feels good being back out there. You can tell everyone’s been waiting for baseball to start again.”
Club Baseball continues to give Cortland students the opportunity to compete at a high level while balancing academics and campus life. Because the program is player run, leadership and accountability play a major role in the team’s success both on and off the field.
Player Joe Piropato said the team’s early focus has been keeping things simple as the season gets closer.
“Right now we’re just trying to get the basics down again,” said Piropato. “Defense, communication, getting our timing back, nothing crazy yet. We know games are coming up soon, so it’s really just about getting comfortable again.”
With opening games approaching, practices have included conditioning, situational drills, and team building as players work toward being prepared for competition. Despite only two practices so far, confidence within the team is already growing.
“It’s just nice being back with the team,” said Owen Lanzarone, another club team member. “Even after two practices you can feel everyone buying in already. We’re all excited to finally start playing games.”
As the Red Dragons continue preparing for early March matchups, the focus remains on steady improvement and building momentum heading into the start of the season.