May 15, 2015It’s been a couple of days since I played my last college baseball game and I’ve had some time to think and reflect on not just this year, but my entire college career. From my humble beginning as the kid who didn’t quite fit in up at Youngstown State to the semi-witty, blog-writing senior at Cedarville, I wouldn’t change any part of this experience. Even with the injuries that I went through, and this season not turning out the way we had hoped, baseball has taught me valuable lessons that transcend what happens on the diamond. Leadership, persistence, dedication, and dealing with adversity are life-long traits that baseball has taught me. I honestly believe that had I not come to Cedarville, I wouldn’t have these skills and traits that are so vital to being a Godly man.
As I briefly mentioned earlier, this season didn’t turn out the way we had envisioned it when we began our quest in early March. We dropped our second game of the conference tournament to Ohio Valley who was apparently hotter than Reggie Miller against the Knicks. Then in an elimination game we lost a close one to Alderson Broaddus and just like that our season was over. It was a little emotional looking around at the faces in that final huddle in right field. I can’t speak for the other six seniors; however, I began to replay all the memories that baseball has provided, even the first catches with Dad in the back yard. It’s tough to suddenly be done with something that has been so prevalent in your life for about eighteen years, but being surrounded by my teammates, my friends, definitely made it easier to deal with. I’m going to miss baseball for sure; however, I’m going to miss the fun times with those goofy guys. The long bus rides, the gas station food runs, Chipotle, the music videos on top of a wrecked pontoon boat; things like that are the things that I will remember, maybe even more so than the games themselves.
As I conclude this final post, I just want to encourage the returners to seek to become Godly men that represent Christ in everything. When you keep things in perspective, it doesn’t matter how well your season turns out as long you’re seeking God’s will. However, with the talent I know that will be on the field next year, there’s no reason why they can’t win the G-MAC. Injured guys get not injured, pitchers work on hitting spots, hitters square it up. . . work hard fellas!
May 7, 2015Let’s get the mushy stuff out of the way first. Graduation went well, and all of us seniors are feeling a bit of every kind of emotion right now, but personally I’d have to say the most prevalent of these emotions is relieved. Eight semesters of classes, tests and papers takes a toll on you. It feels pretty good to finally be done (At least for those who aren’t pursuing Graduate School). With school out of the way, we are looking forward to spending time with our team, and ending the season with a bang.
After a somewhat disappointing series which we split with Ohio Valley on the weekend of graduation, it’s tourney time and we started the post season with some signs life. We entered the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Tournament as the #4 seed, a fair assignment based on our record; however, had the ball bounced our way a couple times during the regular season we could’ve easily been the #3 or possibly the #2. For this reason, we believe that we are a very dangerous #4 seed, and the rest of the field should feel the same way.
Our first game resulted in an exciting 3-1 win over Kentucky Wesleyan further supporting our theory of being a dangerous four seed. We are getting more confident as we see the ball starting to bounce our way a little more, and being somewhat of an underdog, we are playing with nothing to lose. This is a dangerous combination for the rest of the G-MAC. We returners remember what our tourney run felt like last year, and as the innings went by against KWC, I think we all started to sense that same feeling once again. We are a team that will do whatever it takes to get the job done. It might not look pretty sometimes but at the end of the day, we take pride in giving everything we have to the game we love.
We play on Thursday at 6 p.m. against Ohio Valley, and are currently three victories away from a G- MAC Tournament Championship. That’s if we stay in the winners bracket. If we drop a game, the road becomes a whole lot more crooked, and includes a whole lot more games. Being on both sides during my athletic career, I highly recommend we stay on the winners’ side of things.
So here we go again. Ain’t Baseball Great!
Apr. 29, 2015I’m going to be honest; this is a tough week to write about. We dropped all four to Trevecca over the weekend, and yet arguably should have won three. However, even with my lack of enthusiasm, I have conjured up the energy to type what you’re reading now.
Obviously, five games below .500 is not where we wanted to be as the regular season comes to an end. However, it is where we are and our team has been left with two options.
Option A: Make like the Philadelphia 76ers from last year and drop every game in anticipation of a high draft pick. I’d like to point out a couple issues with this option. First off, there aren’t draft picks in college, the closest thing to it would be recruits, and from what I’ve noticed, most recruits aren’t attracted to losing. Secondly, giving up would be in direct violation of Colossians 3:23.
Given the downfalls of the aforementioned Option A, I am hopeful that our team will collectively choose to pursue Option B.
Option B: Respect the game, play with passion, and have fun. Now is not the time to worry about wins and losses, I believe if we finish the year with these three things in mind we won’t be disappointed with the results.
We have five remaining games, a midweek game at Urbana and our last conference series against Ohio Valley. After the regular season ends, we’ll be off to Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio for the conference tournament. With no school to worry about and Mr. Softee ice cream, I see no reason why we couldn’t win this thing.
We seniors are getting ever closer to graduation on Saturday. I know that this is where most people say "I can’t believe how fast it has gone" but honestly, I don’t feel that way at all. After three surgeries, Mechanical Engineering courses and 5 a.m. practices, it feels like I’ve been in college forever! I know that later on down the road, it’s going to seem like it went by quick but for now, I’m ready to be done. For those who are severely stressed about finals week, consider this. In a year, you won’t even remember the finals that you’re getting ready to take. Just relax and keep things in perspective, it’s all going to be fine.
Apr. 21, 2015This past weekend was by far the nicest weather we’ve played in all year, and that’s including the fall season. Unfortunately the outcomes of the four games against Alderson Broaddus weren’t as pleasant. We were able to take the first game Saturday, but dropped the other three. There is, however; something productive that can be taken from this past weekend, specifically from the two games Saturday.
Our lineup finally started hitting like I had expected it to all year. In my experience hitting is contagious. All it takes is a couple guys to get hot, and then it can spread through the lineup like Clash of Clans spread through the Kansas City Royals last year (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, look it up right now). That’s what it felt like the two games on Saturday, even the one we dropped. With all the statistics and in-depth analysis of baseball in this day and age, with all the new hitting improvement equipment that’s released monthly, it can seem like a very complicated game.
When it comes to hitting; simpler is sometimes better. As Pete Rose once said "See the ball, hit the ball". Having a good approach, good coaching, and good technique are all key components to being successful at the plate, but once you’re in the batter’s box, simplify everything: see the ball, and hit the ball. Our team collectively demonstrated this approach as we were more aggressive, and seemed like we were having more fun. Those of us who were on the team last year, remember how much fun the post-season was last year, and this past Saturday was the first time this year that I started to get the same feeling; better late than never!
We have a game at Tiffin on Tuesday and a home game on Wednesday versus Wayne State. We then travel down to Nashville this upcoming weekend for a series against Trevecca. With only two weeks of the regular season left, we go into these last few games with nothing to lose. If we continue to build off of what we started last weekend, play hard, do the little things, and play with the relaxed character that fits our team so well, then I think we are going to like the results.
P.S. - Pete Rose deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. The last time I checked, whether or not you gamble doesn’t show up on the back of your baseball card.
Apr. 15, 2015This past weekend was very eventful, and we also played some baseball. To begin, we left on Thursday evening for Elkins, WV only to have the scheduled games moved back a day. Why? D&E’s field was completely under water. I know that’s a term used loosely in the baseball world, but their field was literally under water. By game time Saturday, the water had marginally receded, leaving a fresh coat of mire. We took the two games Saturday, but our cleats will never be the same. Come Sunday, you would think that after a full day of sunlight and a breeze the field would have dried up at least some. No. The conditions were the same. Unfortunately, we were only able to split on Sunday. We boarded the bus and left the town of Elkins around 6:00 p.m. Sunday night. I’d like to take this time to remember the four curbs and two posts that will never be the same. Let’s just say that our bus was made for larger towns than Elkins. Also, a bit of advice for future endeavors to D&E; the baseball field is NOT on top of the hill, it’s just a dead end.
Shortly after we set forth to Cedarville, we found ourselves not on a familiar interstate, but on a two (sometimes single) lane road, which wasn’t painted and partially gravel. After about twenty minutes on this road, we were in a part of the country that I’m pretty sure wasn’t included in the last census. It was time to swallow the pride and ask for directions. A friendly local helped us get back on track, and after an hour and a half delay, we were back on track. We arrived in Cedarville around 1:00 a.m. with three wins, and a semester’s worth of memories. As the end of my senior year begins to draw near, I’m starting to realize that the home runs or great plays or clutch pitching aren’t the memories that will last. What’s going to last are the fun experiences I was able to share with this goofy group of guys.
Apr. 7, 2015There wasn’t a lot of Cedarville baseball since my last post thanks to enough rain to make Noah tremble being dumped on Oakland City. It’s always fun to play ball, but I’m not going to lie, I was a little relieved to find out the games were cancelled. Let’s examine a simple math problem to understand why I was relieved. The trip to Oakland City is around 4 1/2 hours. The plan was to make this trip on Saturday morning, play two 7-inning games and drive back Saturday evening. That would’ve been nine hours of driving, and about three hours of baseball. 9 > 3.
The weekend off gave most of the guys the opportunity to go celebrate our Lord’s resurrection with their families. I can’t speak for anyone else, but personally I enjoyed some good company, good family, good church, and a great end to March Madness! That’s right, I’m a Duke fan and always will be. The only thing that could’ve made this tournament better would have been if Kentucky made it to the championship and got beat by a Christian Laettner part 2. But nevertheless, whether you hate him or love him, you’ve got to respect coach K, the guy knows how to win, and win when it counts.
Just because the Jackets didn’t take the field over Easter break, doesn’t mean there wasn’t baseball. Opening day was officially Sunday night, but Monday afternoon for me (being a Reds fan). There’s just something about Opening Day that provides a calming feeling; similar to getting a massage or listening to Dave Matthews Band, especially when Todd Frazier clubs a 3-run shot in the bottom of the 8th to give the Reds the lead. When baseball time finally gets here it doesn’t matter how many tests you have, how many papers need to be written, or how many scans you have left. Somehow, Opening Day reminds you that it’s all going to end up fine by taking you back to the early spring memories of elementary school when your dad picked you up early from school to go watch baseball. You don’t forget days like that, when everything seemed right.
We have five games scheduled this week, a mid-week against Urbana, and we travel to D&E in West Virginia this weekend. I feel like we’re about to put it all together, and start playing up to our potential. We’ve displayed temporary glimpses over the past several games, and this would be a great week to start firing on all cylinders.
Apr. 2, 2015If you didn’t know, the Kentucky Wesleyan series was moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Not really, but with gale force winds blowing straight out, any park can seem like a Little League field; even one that’s typically a pitcher’s park like ours. You’ll have to check out the official stats for how many home runs there were in the four games, I lost track after ten. In the midst of the barrage of bombs that I have aptly named "The New Manhattan Project" we were able to split the series 2-2, while winning the ever important tie breaker, which is determined by the first nine inning game. With conference play in full swing, we are beginning to find our bats again, and just like Michigan State’s basketball team is showing us; it’s not about how you start, but how you finish. I guess you could also look at it from Kentucky’s perspective, but that didn’t apply to us once we lost a game; so I like the Michigan State comparison better.
After playing four games on Monday and Tuesday, we played Tiffin University on Wednesday in front of a sellout crowd . . . April Fool’s. The game itself was no joking matter. In fact, it contained an additional five innings of non-joking material. That’s right, the game was decided in fourteen innings with the Dragons of Tiffin unfortunately ending up on top. We had opportunities to win it in extras, but just couldn’t find that one key hit that we needed. Disappointing as it may be, this does provide a good learning experience for everyone on our team; there aren’t a lot of times when a fly out is better than a home run, but there are instances when it can be just as effective. Lessons learned for the second half of the year.
We’re heading to Oakland City University on Friday & Saturday to play fourteen more innings, just this time we’re recognizing half time, and should get back late Saturday evening. Sometimes it’s easy to get consumed with baseball, but as Easter approaches, God has reminded me that no matter what happens in this life; in work, at home, or on the field, we already have victory. Not victory that we have earned, but victory through Christ Jesus when he defeated the grave. Never forget the victory you have in him, and if you don’t know if you have this victory, what better time to take claim of it then at Easter.
Mar. 25, 2015After a sequence of games that had everything from giving up 20 runs to scoring 20 runs, we ended our last home stand on a positive note, taking three in a row and once again surpassing the .500 mark for the relatively young season. One thing that our team is starting to actively realize is that with this game, the outcomes are never for certain.
Baseball is a unique game. With basketball, if you shoot better than the opposition, you typically are successful. In football, if you execute your plays better than the eleven guys on the other side of the line of scrimmage, you usually win. However, if you hit the ball harder, locate your pitches better, and even make fewer errors, that doesn’t always mean success in baseball. As a hitter, there’s nothing more frustrating than hitting a laser right at someone; hitting a ball so hard, that you’re out even before you can leave the batter’s box because the guy on third accidently caught the ball while trying to protect his body. I’m sure pitcher’s share the same feeling of disgust when they saw a guy off, or make him look terrible with an off-speed pitch and yet he luckily flings his bat at the ball with as much confidence as Shaq shooting a free throw, and bounces one ever-so-perfectly through the hole between third and short. However, this same unpredictability that frustrates us to the core, is what draws us to the game, even long after we’ve hung up the cleats.
Our team unfortunately suffered a couple of injuries this past weekend in the series against Salem International. Garrett Baker, whilst throwing a pitch, tore his UCL and now requires Tommy John surgery. He remains in good spirits though, and told me personally that he feels he’ll be ready for the Trevecca series in late April (Not really, he’s done for the year). Also, Spencer Hutchinson, who had recently been settling in nicely to his role in center field, pulled his hamstring. I don’t know much about hamstring injuries but I do remember that they kept my favorite player, Ken Griffey Jr., out of multiple games when I went to watch the Reds play. I’m no doctor, but based on my secondary experience, I’d say a pulled hammy isn’t much fun. In all seriousness, I know injuries can be tough and frustrating. It’s important to stay patient and keep things in perspective, I mean, if Paul can find joy while being held in house arrest by the Romans, there shouldn’t be any type of baseball injury that prevents us from living and displaying the joy that we have in Christ.
In other news, the wind-chill is supposed to be 20 this weekend. Ahhhh Cedarville......
Mar. 18, 2015Baseball, like life, has its ups and downs. Our trip to Florida, although not perfect, I would consider to be an up; this past week, not so much. After constant rainfall throughout the duration of the week kept us inside for the majority of the week, we were able to play two games against Ashland down in Florence, KY on an all turf field. Ashland beat us both games. You could try to attribute not playing for a week, or the colder weather, or any other excuse to the losses; however, the bottom line is Ashland played better than us, and deserved to win.
Saturday evening, after returning to Cedarville, I had a couple options. I could sulk in our defeat and remorsefully consume the entire large Cousin Vinny’s pizza that was in front of me, OR I could try to learn something about our team and remorsefully consume the entire large Cousin Vinny’s pizza that was in front of me. I chose the latter option. While in Florida, we beat some very good teams, thus proving that we have the ability to beat anyone. Against Ashland, we learned that just because we have the ability, doesn’t mean that winning comes easy. I thought of many things that were lacking against Ashland, but I think they can be summed up with one term:
Enthusiasm – Baseball is a game, not a job or a burden. It’s a fun game that brings joy to people, and provides those who play the game with a platform to glorify God. If we are to glorify Him with our play, then our play should be indicative of how grateful we are that we have the ability to play. Truly wanting to be a part of the game and enjoying it for all that it is is essential if a team is to play at its optimum level. We lacked enthusiasm against Ashland. We weren’t having fun, we weren’t playing with passion, and we weren’t focused. It doesn’t matter how much talent a team has, if those qualities are lacking, the results will never be satisfactory.
The good thing is the season is still young, and there are a couple games to make adjustments before conference play begins this upcoming weekend. We will be traveling to Carson-Newman in Jefferson City, Tennessee this Tuesday and Wednesday. C-N is another solid team, and if we don’t play with enthusiasm, then the results will never be what they could have been (even if we win). Hopefully, we’ll be able to play with and keep that enthusiasm as the season progresses, but either way, one thing is for sure: there was no more pizza in front of me when I was done thinking. Thank you Cousin Vinny, wherever you are.
Mar. 11, 2015Florida 2015 Part 2:In my last post, I tried to inform you of some happening taking place outside the field of play within the Yellow Jacket roster. Although off the field comradery and chemistry is important on a team, I feel one particular accomplishment we shared on the field in Florida encompasses the very principles and relationships we’ve been developing since we all showed up on campus last August. I could try to decorate this achievement with festive words, and hype it up like something you would see in one of ESPN’s 30 for 30’s, but I’ve decided that in this case, keeping it short and sweet does just as much justice as writing a novel.
. .. . WE BEAT TAMPA
A tremendous team effort with clutch pitching and fundamental defense led to the Yellow Jackets calmly shaking hands after the game, and confidently looking into the bleachers as if to say “
Are you not entertained!” Now that we reflect on the game, we start to realize that that was arguably the biggest win in the program’s history. However, we realize that beating Tampa is not the end of the road, and it means very little if we don’t continue to improve and reach our potential.
The Tampa game was on Wednesday, and after taking two from Walsh on Thursday and a rain out on Friday, it was finally time to pack up and leave the swamp. Just a bit of advice if you ever plan on taking a party of 35 to Florida, rent more than four vans. Getting all the luggage and players into our allotted vehicle space required skills that only master black belt Tetris players possess. Somehow we all managed to fit, we made it to the airport, and everyone got through security without an issue; even the Canadian. The next three hours in the terminal were filled with the baseball name game, Starbucks, and $12 beef jerky. After two hours on our red eye flight we made it back to Columbus, and around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday we were back in the tundra that is Cedarville, Ohio. Our next game isn’t until this upcoming Friday against Ashland, so until then, it’s back to indoor practice, and not being in 70 degree weather. At least practice isn’t at 6 a.m. anymore!
Mar. 3, 2015The opening week of games for the Jackets has been exhilarating. Five games in, we are 3 and 2, with our most recent victory coming in exciting fashion against Saginaw Valley State. You can get the details on those games by viewing the box scores available on the Yellow Jacket website. I want to update you on what’s been happening off the field down here in beautiful Clearwater, Florida.
First things first; nicknames. Freshman Colton Potter has earned the title "Potties" for obvious reasons, and has also garnered the title "Preacha Mane" due to the major he is currently pursuing. Marc Russell has been dubbed "Marc the Shark" since his favorite movie is more than likely
Sharknado 2. Eli Weldy has seen substantial action on the mound and his low key demeanor and consistency has earned him the designation "Sloth". Spencer Hutchinson has been called "50 Spence" at least one time, although has not warranted enough frequency to officially regard it as a nickname.
The next important issue to be discussed is food. I would like to start off by first saying that we appreciate all the effort and resources donated by the parents throughout the duration of this trip. Although the first nine hours of this venture were accompanied only by some salty peanuts and tiny pretzels (compliments of Southwest) the food intake has steadily increased. Chicken, sub sandwiches, turkey wraps, PB&J, and Wendy’s are only a sample of the Clearwater culinary experience.
We still have a few days to go, so the next post is going to be Florida trip, part 2. Before checking out, I would like to share a summarized version of a devotion we heard on Tuesday from Roy Silver at the Winning Inning.
A common Bible story many of us have grown up to is David and Goliath. However, so often we fail to grasp the entirety of the lesson God wants to share with us through that portion of His Word. David was a thirteen year old kid, merely delivering food and supplies to his older brothers fighting for Israel. David wasn’t looking for a fight, but when he recognized opposition against the God he served, he was willing to step forward and fight; fight against Goliath, a nine-foot behemoth who all of Israel’s army was afraid of. However, faith in the Heavenly father gave David the courage and the ability to accomplish his task. Whatever the "Goliath" is in your life: baseball, money issues, relationship issues, a job search; remember the great things God has done and shared with us through his Word. If God can use a teenager to slay a Philistine giant, he can certainly accomplish His will in your life; all it takes is faith.
Feb. 26, 2015Hello Cedarville Jacket enthusiasts, my name is Harrison Martin, and I will be the baseball team’s liaison to the public for the 2015 season. Before I delve into the baseball logistics, I would first like to commend Chris Fox for the time and energy he dedicated to this blog post last year. Like Chris was, I am also a senior Mechanical Engineer, so although our styles are unique, don’t be surprised if you notice a resemblance stemming from a witty, nerdy quality that inevitably comes with an Engineer.
Once upon a time, there was a magical place where it always snowed, was never above fifteen degrees (Kelvin), and baseball teams had to practice at 2:30 a.m., in the morning. There’s also Cedarville, very similar to this magical place, except they practice at 5:30 a.m. That’s where our tale begins. The long hours of pre-dawn manual labor, consistently missing hot breakfast, and pelting each other with a borderline lethal wiffle-ball machine have nearly paid off, as we embark for Tampa, Florida on Thursday, Feb. 26.
The Jackets will begin this season with 10 new faces, of whom you will become more personally acclimated to as the season progresses. This however, is the year of the senior, seven of which are on the Yellow Jacket roster:
- Steve Cardwell
- Peter Martin
- Jordan Ammon
- Sam Summerlin
- Harrison Martin
- Sean Larkin
- Zach Huskey
Injuries played a larger than expected role last year, so I feel an update is appropriate. Steve, who missed the entire season last year after an unfortunate accident involving a chair, has recovered nicely from surgery and has assumed a vital leadership role both on the field at first base, and on the mound. Jordan Ammon, who also had season-ending surgery last year (Tommy-John), is arguably ahead of schedule as my sources tell me and we may see him on the mound in Florida. I, myself, also had an unfortunate incident involving a chair last year which ended my season after only a handful of games. I have fully recovered and am excited to get going, and perhaps play in a home game. Zach Huskey injured his shoulder on practically the last play of the season last year; however, thanks to modern medicinal miracles (cortisone) his wing is now better than ever.
We’re all excited to start playing some games. Practice is work, games are fun. We’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to start hitting some bombs and having some fun!
P.S.
Watch out for chairs . . . they’ll getcha
Harrison Martin is a junior infielder from Waverly, Ohio. He is in his third season with the Yellow Jackets and is majoring in mechanical engineering.
