For teams that did not make the playoffs, the too short spring season is coming to a fast close, which means that this year’s Varsity Baseball team is putting away the gloves and bats
until next spring calls out wistfully for more of America’s favorite pastime. Fieldston, who went 89 this season, finished sixth place in the Ivy League. The Eagles kept their record around .500 for the whole season, but failed to pull away for a playoff berth toward the end. A fun, but disappointing season, this year was plagued with obstacles but was also filled with camaraderie and friendship. After only a few games into the season, Ellis Maxwell (VI) tore a ligament in his wrist while sliding into a base. Maxwell, the leadoff hitter and starting shortstop, who first made the team as a sophomore, missed the rest of his final season. Henry Fishman (V) called him “a key component to our team” and his injury, “a real challenge.” But the season also started out on a different foot. This winter, ten new players made the team with only eight returning. New friendships had to form, and team dynamics had to develop. The team had to get used to playing with one another, but the bonding began early on with a fun trip to Florida.
“My favorite memories are from all the great times we’ve had in Florida during our spring training trips over the years,” said Captain Drew Semler. “Each year I’ve gone to Florida in the preseason with this team, we’ve bonded tremendously on and off the field.” Last Monday, with a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs, Fieldston faced Riverdale in the final regular season game. Fishman, who had a 3.10 ERA this year, pitched 7 innings in a 43 loss to Riverdale but gave up only two hits and no earned runs. “We couldn’t make the plays in the field or get the big hits,” Fishman said. “But we had our chances; we just couldn’t execute when it mattered most.” On the previous Friday, the Eagles played Collegiate in a surprising 52 loss. Semler pitched the whole game in 117 pitches with four earned runs. Brandon Ko (IV) led Fieldston with two hits. This year’s seniors, Jack Upton, Drew Semler, Logan Gershon, James Schapiro, and Jake May stepped off the field for a final time Monday, May 11th ending what was, for many of them, the best experience Fieldston offers.“I’ve been a part of this team for a long time,” Semler said. “Baseball has always been my favorite sport, so being able to represent my school while playing the game I love is something I’ll never forget. Every year I played here, I got to know new people and I develop friendships with kids I never would’ve met if it weren’t for the baseball program. I’m forever thankful for that.”
