New kids on the block leading Fisher
Cardinals powered by new arrivals
By Mike Bielak
Last Updated:2:55 PM EST 4/22/09 Section: Sports
In sports, there has always been the idea that veterans are the most valuable and will play the most while the younger players mature and develop. In recent years, however, we have seen much of this idea start to crumble. No team proves this any better than the St. John Fisher baseball team.
Fisher is leading the E8 in nearly every offensive statistical category. The Cardinals are usually known for good hitting, but there is an interesting angle to this year's success at the plate.
Coach Pepicelli's squad is being led by a majority of freshman and transfer sophomores. Just like Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim knew the capabilities of his young 2003 national championship team, Pepicelli is also not surprised by his players quick transition to collegiate baseball.
"It really speaks to their character," Pepicelli said. "I'm sure they would tell you that it hasn't been as easy as it would appear, but they have an outstanding work ethic and the upperclassmen have worked to keep them prepared."
Often with competitive players, a situation where some young players may be getting more time then players who have been part of the team for a few years can cause riffs in the clubhouse. None of this has been apparent with the Cardinals this season, showing the true maturity and understanding of the upperclassman.
"I could not be happier with the chemistry of this team. They work for each other, regardless of their experience," Pepicelli said. "Regardless of statistics, the upperclassmen know how much I rely on them to run the program."
Phil Pettinella is one of the sophomore transfer students, who Pepicelli tried to recruit as a freshman, but went to Mercyhurst and Pittsbugh-Bradford before attending Fisher.
"The whole process was extremely frustrating, trying to find the perfect fit academically and athletically. I was never given a fair shot until I arrived at Fisher," Pettinella said. "I decided on Fisher simply by the fact that Coach Pepicelli is a great coach and person."
Fisher is leading the E8 in nearly every offensive statistical category. The Cardinals are usually known for good hitting, but there is an interesting angle to this year's success at the plate.
Coach Pepicelli's squad is being led by a majority of freshman and transfer sophomores. Just like Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim knew the capabilities of his young 2003 national championship team, Pepicelli is also not surprised by his players quick transition to collegiate baseball.
"It really speaks to their character," Pepicelli said. "I'm sure they would tell you that it hasn't been as easy as it would appear, but they have an outstanding work ethic and the upperclassmen have worked to keep them prepared."
Often with competitive players, a situation where some young players may be getting more time then players who have been part of the team for a few years can cause riffs in the clubhouse. None of this has been apparent with the Cardinals this season, showing the true maturity and understanding of the upperclassman.
"I could not be happier with the chemistry of this team. They work for each other, regardless of their experience," Pepicelli said. "Regardless of statistics, the upperclassmen know how much I rely on them to run the program."
Phil Pettinella is one of the sophomore transfer students, who Pepicelli tried to recruit as a freshman, but went to Mercyhurst and Pittsbugh-Bradford before attending Fisher.
"The whole process was extremely frustrating, trying to find the perfect fit academically and athletically. I was never given a fair shot until I arrived at Fisher," Pettinella said. "I decided on Fisher simply by the fact that Coach Pepicelli is a great coach and person."
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