Edward Baranowski is a third baseman from Somers, NY, who went from two failed attempts trying out for the Club baseball team to being a key starter. He has played baseball since age four. Before his career at SUNY Cortland, he played for the Somers Red Storm travel team and his high school team, the Somers Tuskers.
Baranowski stresses the importance of hard work and dedication in his sport.
“The rejection just made me want to work harder, be better, and prove myself,” said Baranowski.
SUNY Cortland Club Baseball has begun its spring season with a promising start. During a doubleheader against SUNY Oneonta, the team put up some tough competition. A key component of this game was Baranowski.
Cortland opened the rivalry doubleheader against Oneonta in a sweep. They won two games and earned a third win by forfeit. In game one, Baranowski went 2-for-3 at the plate with a stolen base, a run scored, and three RBIs, leading to Cortland’s 5–4 victory.
In game two, the team won in an 11-0 shutout and mercy-ruled them in the fifth inning. Baranowski played a strong game, finishing 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base, one run scored, and an RBI. The scheduled third game of the series never took place after Oneonta forfeited, giving Cortland the series sweep.
Post-game, Baranowski’s fellow team members stressed his role in the defeat against Oneonta.
Joe Hanson especially noted the significance of Baranowski’s performance. Hanson is a junior pitcher from Long Island, New York, who is presently out on injury.
“He really showed up and out for us,” said Hanson.
Carson, Joint team treasurer and catcher from Honeoye, New York, also highlighted Baranowski’s efforts.
“Barnowski truly surprises me every game, he just keeps improving every time,” Joint said.
The following weekend brought a tougher challenge on the road against Brockport in a three-game series with two games on Saturday and one single on Sunday.
The opening game of Saturday’s doubleheader turned into a memorable one. Cortland led 3–0 and held the score until the bottom of the seventh inning. Brockport rallied to tie the game. Baranowski once again came through for the team with an RBI single that scored Shane Heinemann, making the Red Dragons carry a 4-3 lead in the ninth.
Brockport retaliated again in the bottom half of the inning, and competition heightened. The game was tied in the 14th inning, and Brockport ended up winning on account of a walk-off sac fly. Baranowski once again showed his expertise, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a stolen base.
The next day, Cortland returned to the field for the second game of the doubleheader. This time, the Red Dragons bounced back with a 4–2 win in seven innings. Baranowski thrived this weekend, going 1-for-3 with a walk as Cortland evened the series.
Sunday led to a struggle for the win. Brockport took control early with a 5–0 lead in the second inning, and Cortland struggled on the offensive. The game ended in an 11–0 mercy-rule loss in five innings, with Baranowski going 0-for-2.
Even with the unfortunate outcome on Sunday, Baranowski’s performances across both weekends showed his contribution to the team. Between Baranowski’s extra-inning hit against Brockport, his ability to run bases, and his performance against Oneonta, he was a key player in Cortland’s previous successful weekends. Baranowski is certainly a player to keep watch on as he dominates the season.
Beyond the field, Baranowski is a supportive friend and teammate, constantly rooting for others’ success. Throughout Hansen’s injury recovery, Baranowski has shown support by helping him with strength training workouts to help him reach his potential.
Baranowski enjoys partaking in team bonding activities such as bowling, golfing, and dinner plans to help connect with his teammates. He stresses the importance of team bonding for better on-field outcomes.
“Knowing my teammates first as friends has reinforced my love for the sport and motivates me even more every day,” Baranowski said.
As the season continues, Baranowski plans to keep up his efforts and push his teammates to do the same. Baranowski is truly a role model for his teammates and athletes.