Kean Baseball prepares for potential season
By Ruben Nieves | Published by October 23, 2020
Kean Baseball was in its tenth game of the season when the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the rest of the season was cancelled. They were 8-2 before the season was cancelled and looked like they were on their way to another successful season.
Head Coach Neil Ioviero is optimistic that there will be a season this spring.
“I think we have the chance to start the season on schedule,” Ioviero said. “I anticipate the season happening and the NCAA is going to do everything they can to have a season.”
With the season looking to be on track to start in the spring, and potentially being played as a normal season, Ioviero shared his early expectations for his team for the upcoming season.
Photo courtesy of Kean Athletics
The Jim Hynes stadium.
“The goal every year is to get to the College World Series and give ourselves the chance to win it,” Ioviero said.
Kean infielder, Mike Perrone, expected for this team to win every championship in front of them.
“The expectation every year is to put ourselves in the best position and then win every championship in front of us,” Perrone said.
Perrone, a graduate student returning for the 2021 season, had a .310 batting average in nine games during the 2020 season before it was cancelled. “I think I could personally improve on being a better leader and being there for my teammates more often,” Perrone said. “Sometimes I get very caught up in the moment and let my emotions take over and I need to step a little away from that and be more of a leader.”
Courtesy of Mike Perrone
Perrone makes the play for the out.
Ioviero also believes Perrone could be a leader and big contributor to the team.
“Mike Perrone is a big extension to this coaching staff,” said Ioviero. “He is a really good player and as well as someone who leads by example.”
After the cancellation of college sports, the NCAA approved an extra year of eligibility for senior athletes who missed the spring season due to the pandemic. Kean’s baseball team will have some returning players for the 2021 season.
“We wanted everyone back,” said Ioviero. “We’re one big family and some of them were able to get jobs after graduation and are coming back.”
There were some players who did not come back.
“We did lose a couple of players,” said Ioviero. “We kept a majority of our guys and all of them have their year of eligibility.”
With the pandemic still going on, the team will be having an in-person practice in the coming weeks and will continue to follow the necessary safety precautions, including social distancing rules to keep all the coaches and players safe.
“Follow social distancing, wear a mask, and constant hand sanitizer will be in place,” Ioviero said. “We will keep these protocols and be strict and have everyone follow these rules.”
Courtesy of Mike Perrone
Perrone swings for a hit.
As they wait for the confirmation of a potential season, Perrone shared some advice given to him by his coaches on how to keep himself safe during the pandemic.
“Our coaches are very proactive and have given us nutrition tips, hygiene tips, and still maintain a healthy build,” Perrone said.
Perrone also has tried to stay in shape for the upcoming 2021 season.
“I’ve been trying to maintain a healthy diet and get exercise in as much as possible,” Perrone said. “With the reopening of gyms in Jersey, that has been a blessing in terms of being able to start to build strength.”
With the seniors returning and the rest of the team able to return to practice soon, Kean’s baseball team wants to once again become champions.
“I want to give it one last shot at making a run,” Perrone said. “Would love nothing more than to go out on top.”
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