(The goal of our Senior Send-Off articles is to highlight teams and student-athletes who did not get to finish their season of competition and/or have their respective Senior Day games/events happen. We also hope that these stories serve as a positive light to anyone who reads them during these trying times.)
BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott baseball team finished its 2020 season with a 4-5 overall record before the NCAA's decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships was finalized due to COVID-19.
More importantly, the team was lead by eight seniors Matt Bald (De Pere, Wisc.), Kevin Gould (Rollinsford, N.H.), Kyle Wollman (East Berlin, Conn.), Joseph Brown (Poultney Vt.), John Duffy (Stratford, Conn.), Alexander Mandrus (Acton, Mass.) Joseph Oriola (Pembroke, Mass.), and Alexander Zaiser (Naples, Fla.) whose respective legacies will forever have an impact on the program athletically and academically. Here's what Endicott baseball head coach Bryan Haley had to say about the entire senior class as a group and as individuals.
2020 Senior Class
"A very special group of young men. It has been a pleasure to watch you get to know each other and grow your friendships during your time together here at Endicott. You have all helped to solidify a true 'family' atmosphere within our program. I thank them for the hard work and time that you have put into this program and I thank them for the impact that you have had in my life over the years. I will continue to use what I learned from you as I move forward on my coaching journey at Endicott. I genuinely feel blessed to have been able to spend the last four (or five) years getting to know you each one of you."
Matt Bald
"Being from Wisconsin, Baldy brought something unique to a team of guys primarily from the northeast. Without Matt, none of us would have learned so much about the Green Bay Packers, cheese curds and the good ole Wisconsin drop it on the floor and blame someone else game. One of the nicest and most respectful guys that I have coached here at Endicott, Matt also brought a great passion for the game of baseball and a genuine caring for his teammates. I'll miss joking with Baldy about life in Wisconsin and I sincerely hope that he rejoins the program as a volunteer coach this fall, while he finishes out his master's program."
Kevin Gould
"Kev's a great guy with an incredible worth ethic and a unique ability to remain hyper disciplined to his overall development. A stoic, lead by example, kind of guy, Kev had a great impact on the young pitchers this year. I'm really going to miss observing KG's intensity during (any type of) competition. His exploits on the mound and on the intramural football field are legendary. Most of all, I will miss our conversations in which Kevin displayed his knowledge and passion for learning about the physical and mental details of his craft as a pitcher. I sincerely hope that a professional organization gives KG a shot this summer as I know that he has the determination and the ability to climb the professional baseball ladder."
Kyle Wollman
"Not shy to speak his mind (as evidenced by his 47-minute reflection video on Instagram) K-Woll was unquestionably the vocal leader of this year's team. Kyle's work ethic, his desire to improve, and his selfless mentality were truly special. He helped keep the team stay focused on our goals and he stepped up in a big way to lead this group. I'm extremely proud of the way Kyle developed as a man and as a leader during his time with us. I'll deeply miss his energy, enthusiasm, and his abundant presence. He was ALWAYS around. You could find Kyle in the Athletic Center working out, shooting hoops, working on his craft as a pitcher, talking with someone, or studying seemly all day, every day. His boundless energy allowed him to succeed in so many ways here at Endicott."
Joseph Brown
"Where to start... Joe went from not making the team as a freshman walk-on to earning his way onto the mound for three years as an impact guy for us as a starter and as a reliever. Joe made that happen through a tremendous amount of hard work, determination, and discipline. He is an incredible young man who I have such a huge amount of respect for. Not your typical 'math guy' (although Joe will do extremely well in his career as an actuary in the future), Joe connected very well with his teammates over the years and on a rare occasion, would even smile around the coaching staff. I was extremely fired up to receive a text from Joe that he was seriously considering coming back to earn a master's degree and to complete some 'unfinished business' from this past season. I'd love to see Joe smile with us, on occasion, from September through May of 2021. His teammates would too!!"
John Duffy
"Duff joined us as a junior after transferring into Endicott. His impact on and off of the field was immediate. Jack really cares about his teammates and his coaches. He went out of his way to serve others over that past two years. He mentored and helped younger players, while also serving as a great coach/teacher to younger kids during our little league clinics, summer camp, and prospect clinics. He's got a future as a teacher and/or coach if he goes that route, for sure. Also a gifted athlete and centerfielder, I couldn't have been happier to hear that Duff plans to rejoin the team next year. He has the potential to be an All-American player and has already proven to be a first-class individual and a great leader."
Alexander Mandrus
"A young man of many nicknames, Hal, without question, has never lost a debate or argument... just ask him. An avid viewer of Netflix, 'the Professor' provided me with an assortment of program recommendations over the years. His annual Dance Dance Revolution highlight video was always well received by the team and the coaching staff. With this unique skill set and a plus-plus change-up, I am curious to see what the future holds for young 'Alexander the Great.' I certainly wish him all the best and could see him in a courtroom exuding an inordinate level of confidence while making an impassioned case for the prosecution. Maybe law school with Vic, Hal? If you decide you'd like a different type of challenge, I'd be happy to have you back for a final year to see if you can push yourself to a new level."
Joseph Oriola
"Another genuine nice guy, Joey O displayed an incredible work ethic coupled with a passion for the game and his teammate's well-being. Joe was an anchor at the front end of the rotation along with KG for many years. An injury created a challenging road for Joe's last season and a half, but to his credit, Joe never stopped working to better himself and found a way to compete for us, when it was clear that his full capacity was not going to be an option. Joe's a tough young man. I am hoping that Joe returns to grad school and gives us one more year together. I really want him to finish out his baseball career on a high note in 2021. If he can't, his goofy, yet bellowing laugh is what I will never forget about Joey O."
Alexander Zaiser
"Alex AKA 'the BEAST' displayed high-level workout intensity during sprint work and in the weight room on a regular basis. His desire to learn and grow within his craft as a pitcher was right on par with the other leaders of our pitching staff. Big Z is truly an amazing individual who has transformed himself during his time at Endicott. Alex exhibited an incredible amount of fortitude and determination in dealing with adversity over the past year. He showed me and his teammates what it means to face adversity head-on and to come out better off for it on the other side. I'm incredibly proud of all that Alex has achieved. I'm also extremely excited that Alex is planning on returning for another year and I can't wait to see him back on the mound throwing his power slider and commanding his fastball to both sides. There is nothing better than seeing the hard work pay off, and I know that we are all excited to see Alex's hard work pay off on the mound for a full final season in 2021."
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