Charger baseball club team approved

Home Sports Charger baseball club team approved

Although several inches of snow on the ground might argue otherwise, baseball season is right around the corner. Some baseball fans here at Hillsdale College are particularly excited because a baseball club was finally approved by the athletic department last week, giving students a chance to continue playing the game.

“I love baseball. Next to my family and God there is nothing more important to me than baseball,” founder of the club freshman Stevan Bennett said.

Bennett, along with 21 other male students are in the process of forming the club. Baseball will become the tenth club sport offered here at the college. The team will play at either Hillsdale High School, Jonesville High School, or Jackson High School for their home games and will practice at the Field of Dreams in Hillsdale.

“I think we will have a lot of fun together. Baseball is a popular sport, it’s America’s pastime and we have a lot of interest from guys on campus,” junior Dominic Restuccia said.

The club members are now trying to attain financed support from Student Fed and they have been in contact with administration about becoming a member of the National Club Baseball Association’s Division II league. The NCBA is split up into districts and has schools from all over the country with club baseball teams competing. The Association holds its Division II World Series at Jaycee Ballpark in Pittsburg, Kansas, May 15-19.

According to Director of Recreational Sports Brad Kocher, Bennett is doing an excellent job pursuing practice sites and potential equipment for the club.

“Clubs must go through an application process, they must prove that the intent of the sports club is to compete with other college club teams, put together a group of officers, assemble a roster and then meet with me to go over expectations, guidelines and club bylaws. At that time I then take all information to Mr. Brubacher, the Athletic Director, together we will make the final decision on the club” said Director of Recreational Sports Brad Kocher.

The establishment of a club team would provide an opportunity to keep playing baseball for those who still love the sport.

“I would love to keep playing. Baseball builds character and I know there is a lot of other guys that would love to play baseball competitively,” Bennett said.

Other schools in Michigan that have club baseball include Eastern Michigan University, Northern Michigan University, Michigan Tech, Grand Valley State University, and Saginaw Valley State University. These would be the teams that Hillsdale would compete with in their district. The recent success of the club soccer teams on campus will be inspiration for fast success for the club baseball team.

Bennett and his teammates are hopeful to start practicing this semester. If they are able to get into the NCBA they could potentially start their first full season next spring. Practices will serve to work on skills and gauge interest and talent.

For anyone that is interesting in joining, contact Bennett to ask for details, join the club, or show your support. The club is for male students only and is not restricted to just those who have baseball experience.