“In August we came together with the common goal of getting to and

winning the World Series.”

 

 Those were the first words that came from team president Tyler “Shark”

Clark when reflecting on the year. On first glance at the standings, one

would say that PCB didn’t reach their goal in the 2018-19 NCBA season. In

short, they would be right. After coming just short of making regionals

in 2017-18, the club was itching to prove that season to be an outlier, and not

a trend. In a conference that includes formidable opponents in Slippery Rock

and SUNY Brockport, not to mention the 2018 World Series champion

Penn State Club Baseball, the task at hand wasn’t going to be an easy one.

After only playing one conference series in the fall, in which PCB took two of three from Cornell, the team went to work over the winter, putting in hours of late-night practice throughout the week. To prepare for conference play the team added a weekend trip to Maryland for a three-game series against the Terrapins. PCB won the opener and dropped the final two games to the ‘Terps, who finished as the #7 team in the country. From there, it was on to Florida for the annual NCBA Spring Training Showcase. On the field, the trip contained highs such as a dominating 14-3 win over #17 Ohio State, and lows such as a crushing extra-inning loss to Mississippi State. From there PCB continued into conference play where they finished at 9-6, contributing to an overall 16-11 record. The team finished in third place, their lowest conference finish in over eight years.

 

 

But those who only read the record are sorely misled. Baseball, and college, aren’t about the short. No one understands this more than Clark, whose perspective as a now collegiate graduate provided solid leadership and a much-needed point of view on the season.

 

“Although we fell short of that particular goal this season, we still had a successful season,” says Clark. “Every year, PCB is able to bring together 25-30 college students and provide a memorable experience. PCB has a unique culture and it continues to grow with alumni and family support. This year I think we made great strides as a club and continued to foster the brotherhood that so many PCB alumni speak about.”

 

The President made sure that alumni-PCB connection was strengthened by leading numerous fundraisers and events throughout the season. The team held its first ever golf outing, an event that brought players, family, and alumni out for a great day on the links. Clark also spearheaded operations for the annual EngagePitt fundraiser, a campaign that was one of the most successful in club history.

 

 

The culture of the team didn’t waver during what was at times a frustrating season. One thing that PCB has always taken pride in is how it conducts itself on and off the field. The club preaches respect for its opponents, and between its individual members. This is what has been responsible for creating a family like bond, a connection that rising sophomore Matthew Acker believes is the reason for his success transitioning to college baseball.

 

“I came from a very competitive high school team which allowed me to play very good teams and compete against very good players. So, from a baseball side of things, I never once felt overwhelmed,” said the team Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove recipient. “Yet, the thing that made the transition the smoothest was the group of guys I was around every day on this club team. The team exhibits tremendous support both on and off the field to go with a great balance of fun and competitiveness which makes it very unique.”

 

Polling the team, some of the most memorable and helpful off the field events this season included team trips to Pitt football and basketball games, an outing at TopGolf, study sessions offered during exams, the annual gator trip in Florida, and of course dinners at Tijuana Flats. Rising senior outfielder and known Tijuana Flats enthusiast Mike Ricci was approached for comment about the eatery, but he was busy downing his 12th burrito while winning his 47th consecutive ping pong match.

 

 

On the field, there were outstanding individual efforts for PCB. Senior pitcher Nick Ross returned to the rotation where he posted a 3.13 ERA while going 5-3 over 37.1 innings pitched. The club voted Adam Hough as MVP after he put together a .394 average and .916 OPS to go along with stellar defensive play at 2B, SS, and OF. The Cy Young Award went to Henry Gise, who threw a team leading 40 innings in a tremendous first year with PCB, where he was used as both a starter and reliever. The Silver Slugger Award went to Nathaniel “Teddy” Luketich, who hit over .400 and collected 7 doubles and 2 home runs. Luketich had a solid freshman season but was seen as a breakout candidate going into this year. When asked about his offensive onslaught, the always humble Teddy credited his team for helping him fix the small things.

 

“Shark worked with me on the tees and [Coach] Hop worked with me in the cage to correct my form to driving the ball. Those guys are where my success rooted from,” said Luketich.

 

 

As the calendar rolls into summer, preparations have already begun for next season. The biggest event of the summer is the passing of the presidential torch. Filling the role for his senior year will be pitcher Zayne Zalich. The full-fledged yinzer has been seen as a leader throughout his time at PCB, earning the title “P.O King”. Zalich spent the spring carefully watching the team, as well as Tyler Clark in order to get a feel for what he wants to bring to the table as president. The first thing that stood out to him was the speed of the season.

 

“We only play 15 conference games, so each year its a race to define roles and gain confidence before October rolls around,” said Zalich. “We had some rough games and tough injuries and really put ourselves behind the 8-ball early.”

 

An outcome that came as a shock to many was PCB dropping the first conference game of the season against Cornell. While the majority of the season is played in the spring, Zalich doesn’t want the fall to sneak up on his team again.

 

“In 2019, it’s imperative that we prepare our minds and bodies for that first conference series. Winning games early gives us the best chance to control our destiny down the stretch.”

 

The main word that ZZZ used when asked what he wants to bring to this team was accountability. He believes that while the club members play for the right reasons, the team “had some lapses and lost sight of the ultimate goal”, which was responsible for its inability to play consistent baseball.

 

“Every season, goal #1 is winning a World Series, and getting there requires full commitment from every player and coach. If we want to bring hardware back to Pittsburgh in 2020, we have to hold each other accountable and have high expectations.”

 

Only time will tell if PCB can achieve that #1 goal in the 2019-20 season. But even in a year where they didn’t a great amount of learning was done, and a group of 30 grew together as a family. The murmurings around the club are whispers of excitement, and it’s clear that the team can’t wait to get back together and set off on the journey.