Baseball looks to youth for leadership and success

This Friday, the University at Albany baseball team will open its 2010 season on the road against UNC Greensboro in North Carolina.

   The Danes are projected to finish fourth this season according to the America East Conference preseason poll, which is voted on by the coaches. This follows a year in which the team won 26 games and advanced to the conference championship where they eventually fell to Binghamton. 

   “Champions are never decided before the season starts,” said coach Jon Mueller who is entering his 11th season with the team. “We know what we have. We’re young and talented, and we will be good if we sacrifice and play together.”

   The Danes start their season with 13 consecutive road games before coming home to play Marist on Mar. 23. This stretch includes four tough games in a row against Pittsburgh, Ball State and Toledo twice at the Caravalle Resort Tournament in North Carolina.

   “Conference games are always the toughest,” Mueller said. “This year the beginning of our schedule is very tough as well. You could easily fall behind before you know it.”

   This Danes team is the youngest Mueller has had to date. Twenty-two members of the team are at the sophomore and freshmen level. Eleven seniors graduated last year, including seven pitchers.

   Despite the losses of many key players the Danes still boast a solid pitching staff anchored by junior right-hander David Kubiak and sophomore right-hander Zach Kraham, both of whom were named to the All-America East conference second team.

   Kraham was the team’s best statistical pitcher posting a 5-2 record in 10 starts with a 4.86 ERA and 40 strikeouts in his rookie season. His effort earned him one of the only two all-conference honors given to the team last season along with all-rookie accolades. 

   “It was pretty sweet. I didn’t expect it,” Kraham said. “Just being recognized motivated me to do even better this season.” 

   Now in his sophomore season, Kraham feels his experiences from last season have helped him improve and develop as a player.

   “I grew up more, I know what the season is going to be like,” Kraham said. “As a sophomore now I have to step it up and become a leader.”

   The Danes lineup is led by senior captain and right fielder Brendan Rowland. The 2008 team MVP was one of two players who started all 58 games last season. He batted .293 with four home runs and 32 RBIs and led the team with 55 runs scored and 25 stolen bases. Rowland also carries a reliable glove, being among the team leaders in fielding percentage.

   Despite all his accomplishments Rowland still feels there is room for improvement.

   “Over the past four years I have become a more consistent player,” Rowland said. “There are still a lot of aspects that I feel I have to show the America East Conference.”

  Rowland was part of the 2007 team that won the America East title and advanced to the NCAA regional tournament. The team captain is hoping for another opportunity to return to the regionals in his final season. 

   Even with the team’s youth, Rowland feels they have the ability to achieve the success they had last season. 

   “We’re a young team and need experience,” Rowland said. “We have to get the chemistry flowing, and we could return to the championship game. We have a great pitching staff that could lead the way.”

   Mueller is confident in his team as well and feels they have the foundation for a great future. He acknowledges that his team is young but believes that much leadership could be found in the core of his young roster.

   “Some of our sophomore guys who don’t start everyday have been the best example setters,”  Mueller said. “They have made many sacrifices for their team and community. They are very competitive and help our guys communicate and learn to be patient.”

   The Danes will be making trips to North Carolina and play six games in California to highlight their non-conference schedule. The back half of the schedule will be mostly comprised with conference games.

   When all is set and done Mueller can only want for one thing.

   “I hope to be sitting in the [SEFCU Arena] Hall of Fame room giving an interview on what regional we will be attending,” Mueller said.