Keene Equinox

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jack Earl

Getting up at 8 a.m. and driving 15-20 minutes to work every day doesn't sound like much of a spring break, unless it's covering baseball in Arizona.

Why else would I travel halfway across the country and spend every night staring at a computer screen in a Red Roof Inn that at times resembled a Motel 6?

I'll tell you why: For love of the game.

I love the game of baseball and through The Equinox got the opportunity and experience of a lifetime to "live the dream" for 10 days.

I, along with another editor, followed the Keene State College baseball team on its spring break trip to Arizona for the start of the 2008 season.

For eight days I was able to tour the "Grand Canyon State," catching games in Mesa, Scottsdale and Chandler, Ariz.

The was a lot of work with 12 games in eight days, but the experience was worth it as I found myself in unfamiliar but enjoyable territory.

The sun filled a virtually cloudless sky every day and the dry climate made the heat more than bearable.

The Owls outstanding play was a bonus as it's always easier to cover a team that's winning and successful.

The trip featured everything from the excitement of extra innings and walk-off wins to offensive explosions and blow outs.

I was even able to witness a triple play. Unfortunately it was a hard line drive hit by KSC sophomore Beau Darak. Sorry Beau.

The Owls scored 115 runs in 12 games in Arizona, an extremely impressive performance by the offense.

What's even more impressive than the numbers was how it didn't matter who was up in what situation, everybody seemed to hit and get the job done.

What was just as impressive as the juggernaut offense was the play of the freshmen.

Every player who got an opportunity to play stepped up and contributed at the plate and in the field.

Two freshmen in particular were Bobby Doyon and Tyler DiPrato.

Both were among the hottest hitters on the trip as Doyon landed the starting job in left field and DiPrato saw time behind the plate and at first base.

The only cause of concern I saw during the week was the team's pitching. KSC gave up an alarming 77 runs in 12 games.

This team has bigger goals than blowing teams out and it all starts with winning the Little East Conference.

They know just like everybody else championships are won on pitching, not offense and will look to right the ship early in the season when they're able to play in New England.

Who knows, it could have been the way the ball travels in the desert, meaning KSC will rely more on pitching and defense rather than offense. The formula for champions. Only time will tell.

Ten days in the sun, eight days of watching and talking baseball, yeah, I'd say I had a good spring break.



Jeremie Smith is a senior majoring in journalism. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the Equinox.

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