Returning from their 2023 campaign that saw a 21-17 record, the Ramapo baseball team is looking forward to another season. The team is once again led by their six-year head coach Ryan Rinsky, and has the experience on the field and on the mound to take them to new heights this season.
“I think for us to have a successful season we need to bring an elite level of focus every day,” Rinsky said. “We have talent and the guys have worked extremely hard thus far.”
The Roadrunners this season are full of experienced players as well as new freshman recruits bound to start the season off with a bang. Rinsky returns this season with two New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) All-Conference honorees from the 2023 season, Will Egner and Will Paoli.
Egner ended last season with being named NJAC Honorable Mention All-Conference and collected 33 hits. Paoli ended the season with the new title of the league’s Fireman of the Year as the top reliever.
Another notable player, Matt Lalomia, returns to the field this season after ending last season on a high of 43 hits, eight of which were doubles and a team high for home runs. Lalomia ended the season on a high note and will now go into his senior season hoping to make history.
In terms of pitchers, Jack Martin, Nick Danbrowney and Dominick Ciani are all returning to their rightful place on the mound. Having joined the team last year, Martin has already made a name for himself with 11 appearances on the mound and starting seven times with two wins. Martin had 41 strikeouts in 50 innings, and looks to increase his numbers this season.
Danbrowney, having been on the team for the past two years since transferring here his freshman year, has certainly made a name for himself on the mound. Last season he tallied 58 strikeouts in 54 innings while making 11 appearances on the mound.
Ciani, who is a two way player, made seven appearances on the mound while striking out 16 in 30 innings pitched. Ciani also posted 26 hits with 3 doubles in 30 games, 21 of which were starts.
Rinsky relies on his long-time players but looks to his band of newcomers to bring the team together and get them a season to bring them through the playoffs. Players like infielder/pitcher Zack Bailey and infielder/outfielder Zach Novakowski are looked at as rookies looking to bring the team one step closer throughout the season.
After recording a non-conference victory in their opener against Centenary University on Wednesday afternoon, the team will play three games throughout the next week, including a doubleheader at Swarthmore College on Saturday.
“If they can show up prepared and ready to go mentally every day, I think we can have a great year,” said Rinsky.
Ramapo will open their NJAC portion of the schedule at home against rivals Montclair State University on Saturday, March 30.
rbleich@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics
