Baseball seniors reflect on careers as they prepare for postseason push
4/24/2014 2:52:00 PM | Baseball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh baseball team will recognize its senior class prior to the start of Saturday's doubleheader against rival Lafayette. The senior class of eight looks to lead the Mountain Hawks to their first Patriot League Tournament appearance since 2010 as Lehigh currently sits in fourth place in the league standings with a 2.5-game lead over Lafayette. This weekend's series against the Leopards will be the final regular-season league series and doubleheaders will be played both Saturday and Sunday with first pitches set for 12 p.m.
As Senior Day Saturday approaches, Lehighsports.com caught up with the eight members of the Lehigh baseball class of 2014.
#5
Jayme "JR" Edwards suffered a season-ending injury last year, but has fought his way back to a pair of successful outings this season, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing just three hits. Edwards finished with an undefeated record of 3-0 last season before suffering the injury and worked tirelessly through a full year of rehab. He plans to return to the squad next season with an extra year of eligibility.
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory up until this point? Why?
JE: Sweeping Holy Cross this season. They knocked us out of playoff contention two out of the three years I've been here, so beating up on them on our home field felt pretty unreal.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JE: It sounds cliché, but these guys have become my family. We came in as a pretty tight-knit group, and that hasn't changed over the last four years. It's going to be a strange feeling not seeing them after spending hours every day with them for the last four years.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JE: It's a pretty bittersweet feeling, because it's great to have made it to this point but it's scary that my collegiate career is coming to a close. Fortunately, we're in a position to make the playoffs and continue the season, so the focus is on furthering that goal.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
JE: I'm going to miss everything to be honest. Aside from the fact I've spent the better part of my life playing baseball, I'm going to miss the long bus trips, late night practices in the Field House and the team camaraderie as a whole.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JE: I was lucky enough to be given an extra year of eligibility due to an injury last season, so I plan on coming back to Lehigh next year to finish out my collegiate career. Beyond that, I'm not entirely sure yet, maybe something in coaching.
#18
Brandon Wilt has appeared in nearly 120 games during his Lehigh career, and recorded nearly 50 runs and RBI throughout his four years. The Industrial Engineering major has been strong in the classroom as well, tallying a 3.31 GPA.
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory up until this point? Why?
BW: My favorite Lehigh baseball memory is probably our trip to California. It definitely wasn't our most successful trip, but the experience itself was awesome. We got to go to Alcatraz and get a private tour of the Giants' stadium. We also got to meet some alumni who otherwise don't get a chance to see us play. Overall, the trip was just a really fun experience with our team.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BW: The other seniors are like brothers to me. I couldn't have asked for a better group of guys to spend four years with. Our friendships go way beyond the baseball field too. Anytime we're not at practice we're probably hanging out with each other. It's going to be weird not seeing them every day next year, but I am confident we will stay in contact.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BW: The feeling is so surreal. I'm really trying to not think about it until I have to. I love this game so much and it's been such a big part of my life that it's hard to picture what it will be like not having this game to play. I've always been able to go to the field and just have fun no matter what else was going on in my life. I'll have to try to find something else to fill the void. All good things must come to an end, but I'm just trying to put that off for as long as possible.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
BW: I'll definitely miss my teammates the most and getting to spend time with them. Having a group of guys like I've been able to play with and get to know is priceless. Things like bus trips and spring break with them will definitely be missed.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BW: I have a job with TE Connectivity as an Operations Leadership Associate. I'm not sure where I will be located yet, but am looking forward to wherever they put me.
As Senior Day Saturday approaches, Lehighsports.com caught up with the eight members of the Lehigh baseball class of 2014.
#5
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory up until this point? Why?
JE: Sweeping Holy Cross this season. They knocked us out of playoff contention two out of the three years I've been here, so beating up on them on our home field felt pretty unreal.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JE: It sounds cliché, but these guys have become my family. We came in as a pretty tight-knit group, and that hasn't changed over the last four years. It's going to be a strange feeling not seeing them after spending hours every day with them for the last four years.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JE: It's a pretty bittersweet feeling, because it's great to have made it to this point but it's scary that my collegiate career is coming to a close. Fortunately, we're in a position to make the playoffs and continue the season, so the focus is on furthering that goal.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
JE: I'm going to miss everything to be honest. Aside from the fact I've spent the better part of my life playing baseball, I'm going to miss the long bus trips, late night practices in the Field House and the team camaraderie as a whole.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JE: I was lucky enough to be given an extra year of eligibility due to an injury last season, so I plan on coming back to Lehigh next year to finish out my collegiate career. Beyond that, I'm not entirely sure yet, maybe something in coaching.
#18
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory up until this point? Why?
BW: My favorite Lehigh baseball memory is probably our trip to California. It definitely wasn't our most successful trip, but the experience itself was awesome. We got to go to Alcatraz and get a private tour of the Giants' stadium. We also got to meet some alumni who otherwise don't get a chance to see us play. Overall, the trip was just a really fun experience with our team.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BW: The other seniors are like brothers to me. I couldn't have asked for a better group of guys to spend four years with. Our friendships go way beyond the baseball field too. Anytime we're not at practice we're probably hanging out with each other. It's going to be weird not seeing them every day next year, but I am confident we will stay in contact.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BW: The feeling is so surreal. I'm really trying to not think about it until I have to. I love this game so much and it's been such a big part of my life that it's hard to picture what it will be like not having this game to play. I've always been able to go to the field and just have fun no matter what else was going on in my life. I'll have to try to find something else to fill the void. All good things must come to an end, but I'm just trying to put that off for as long as possible.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
BW: I'll definitely miss my teammates the most and getting to spend time with them. Having a group of guys like I've been able to play with and get to know is priceless. Things like bus trips and spring break with them will definitely be missed.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BW: I have a job with TE Connectivity as an Operations Leadership Associate. I'm not sure where I will be located yet, but am looking forward to wherever they put me.
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