Lehigh University Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Baseball
4/1/2020 11:00:00 AM | Baseball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Over the coming weeks, Lehighsports.com is paying tribute to all senior student-athletes who did not have a Senior Day. Hear from the five baseball seniors in the below question and answer, and their head coaches in the above video.
This group of outstanding young men never got to finish out their baseball careers the way they would have liked to, but there's no doubting the stamp each and every one of them has left on the program, leaving Lehigh baseball better because of them moving forward.
Like Lehigh Baseball on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
#6 Tim DiLoreto – Catcher – Harleysville, Pa. – Mechanical Engineering
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
TD: I could talk about a specific game or moment during my career; although in light of recent events I believe the memory that will stick with me is TIME. The time I've dedicated, and the time spent with my teammates over the last four years has impacted me immensely. We have been blessed to have the ability to grow with one another and be a part of such an extraordinary program. The time I've invested with the Lehigh Baseball family will stick with me forever, cherish that and make the most of every moment.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
TD: As my Lehigh baseball career comes to a close, I hope to leave behind the legacy of hard work and determination. It's no secret we haven't had the success we hoped for just a few years ago, although I can leave here with the satisfaction that I gave everything I had to my teammates, past and present. If the current situation teaches us anything it's to leave it all out there, you never know when it's all going to be over. My message to my current teammates, your time here is too short, dedicate the early mornings and late nights to one another and most importantly play for each other. Don't let a second go to waste.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
TD: Simply put, we're a family. The countless hours on and off the field have forced us to grow and adapt with one another. The relationship we've had the privilege to develop over the past few years transcends our time as Lehigh Baseball players. This is a relationship that will last a lifetime and frankly one I will cherish as we depart and head in new directions.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
TD: I'm not sure if normal is the word I'd use to describe our current situation. It's still hard to put into words what it feels like to see your final season disappear at the bat of an eye. With that being said, I've taken the time to reflect on my college career and spend what time is left continuing to grow my relationship with my teammates. As an athletic community, we can take solace in the fact that we are not alone and can use this time to stay healthy for whatever endeavors come next.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
TD: My brothers, my teammates. Without a doubt the relationships developed being part of the Lehigh Baseball are unlike any other. Going to battle with these guys day in and day out was next to none. From the Freshman class all the way, it has truly been my pleasure to be part of this program. I will miss you all and wish you the best moving forward. Bring it home.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
TD: As many know, I have not had the most traditional Lehigh student-athlete experience. I walked onto the Baseball team twice, finally making the team my sophomore year. Looking back I can honestly say if it wasn't for the Lehigh Baseball program and Lehigh athletics I wouldn't be where I am today. The past three years have pushed to strive for success whether that be on the field or in the classroom. I have learned to handle defeat and will continue to live my life with the determination and drive to succeed that we preach here at Lehigh.
What are your postgraduate plans?
TD: Upon graduation, I will be working as a Mechanical Engineer at Air Products as part of their Career Development Program. My initial assignment will be at the company headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania with potential future assignments across the US. As I transition into the 'real' world I'm looking forward to the challenges and new opportunities the future holds.
#7 Jake Kochmansky – OF – East Stroudsburg, Pa. – Mathematics
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
JK: Sweeping Bucknell at home during the 2019 season
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
JK: Be a Shark. For clarity's sake, a shark must be in a perpetual state of swimming forward or the shark will die. The essence of being a shark or what one might call a shark mindset is devoting oneself to goal and holding oneself accountable to achieve said goal in spite of the obstacles that are ahead. This mindset is not just applicable to athletics but to all aspects of life. Find someone who can help academically, financially, or relationally. Find a shark and attach oneself to him/her like a sucker fish (actually name is a Pilot Fish). Find your niche and excel at it. Given time, one's mindset will change and they will be a shark themselves.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JK: Mike, Matt, Tim, and Tony. This group of guys will always mean the world to me. We arrived on campus as kids without any real sense of what life own your own truly is - we grew up together. The last three and a half years have gifted me the brothers I never had. We've gone through some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. My classmates have undoubtedly made an impact on me and my life and I am forever grateful. I would be remiss if I did not mention the others in our class: Jason, Levi, Bev, Adam, and Blake.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
JK: Lehigh Baseball has given me the gift of perspective. Tragedy has struck myself, my teammates and the program unexpectedly and tragically. It provides clarity to what we truly value as a whole and individually. So as much as it hurts that our season was cancelled and academics have transitioned to being online, the potential consequences of COVID-19 are not worth it. Lehigh Baseball has prepared us for this.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
JK: Without question, I will miss my teammates the most. Spending countless hours together, we develop brotherly bonds that will last the rest of our lives. I never thought I would miss the long bus rides, but as the remainder of our season was stolen, I seem to yearn for the packed bus with guys throwing Uncrustables to those in the back or watching National Treasure for the fifth straight trip.
Mentally, I had been preparing myself for the eventual "goodbyes" once our season came to its natural conclusion. Yet, the suddenness of the decision to cancel the season left me shocked and at a loss for words. The impromptu farewells after our final practice will forever live in my memory. To my teammates, I love you guys.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
JK: Along with perspective, Lehigh Baseball has taught me how to fail. Baseball, itself, is a game of failure. If you do not brush off the previous error or strikeout, another one is sure to follow. Our lives will not go as we plan them - surely no one planned for a season cancellation - so we must pick ourselves up and move forward.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JK: Starting this fall, I will be attending Georgetown University as a Master's Candidate. I will be pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Policy as well as a Master's Degree in American Government.
#10 Mike Maguire – CF – Franklin Park, N.J. -- Accounting
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
MM: At VMI junior year, we were down 10-9 with two outs in the top of the ninth, bases loaded. Jake comes up and hits a single, scoring two runs to make it 11-10. I came up right after Jake and hit a bases-clearing triple to push the lead to three. Truly an unforgettable feeling and moment.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
MM: I hope that I have left behind a legacy of perseverance, transformation, and affability. I hope that my teammates and classmates viewed me as someone who would stop at nothing to achieve something once I set my eyes on it, as someone who experienced a transformation of mindset and made sacrifices in pursuit of his goals, and someone who made it a point every day at practice to ask his teammates how their day was or to have them tell him a fun fact.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MM: What I believe is really special about my relationship with my fellow seniors is that it extends far beyond the baseball field. I have such a special bond with them that I feel comfortable reaching out to any one of them for guidance with something or to just chat about life. I was incredibly fortunate to be able to create lasting memories with each of them and I think sharing some of these memories will put into perspective how special these bonds are. As silly as this may be, Tim and I were bus buddies in our sophomore year. Sitting together for 10-hour bus rides, banging elbows, spilling coffees, and wrestling with our clunky laptops trying to get work done together are things that I simply won't ever forget. Spending countless hours with Matt doing accounting homework, holding our breaths as we pressed submit on every 315/316 quiz, and that god-awful 5:30am alarm that would go off every Monday morning this past summer when we lived together in New York City. I've spent the past two Memorial Day Weekend's with Tony at his beach house in Ocean City, learning that "Cornhole" is much more than a family-fun backyard game, and that Mrs. Gallo makes the best meatballs. And lastly, Jake, who was crazy enough to go with me to Packard Lab at 3:30am after returning from Davidson in our sophomore year because we needed to finish studying for an exam. Each of these guys has played tremendous roles in helping me progress academically, socially, and athletically, and I would not be where I am today without them.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
MM: I actually haven't had too much trouble acclimating to this "new normal." I have begun reading fiction and playing video games with some of my newly found free time. In addition, I have to pass the Securities Industry Essentials Exam before starting work this summer, so I have been studying for that as well. The online classes are not as bad as I thought they were going to be, and I have been enjoying being able to attend class from my bedroom.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
MM: It's really hard to pick one thing that I will miss most. There are so many aspects of Lehigh Baseball that I looked forward to every day, every week, and every year. I will miss screaming "UP!!!" at the top of my lungs with 33 other guys as a teammate tries to squat his new personal record. I will miss chasing down fly balls in the gap. I will miss taking my sweet time jogging around the bases after losing sight of the ball as it lands over the fence. I will miss gossiping in our stretching circles. I will miss sitting on the turf, eating a Bagel Basket ham sandwich between games. I will miss the team showers after the game celebrating a victory. I will miss that feeling of hoping Coach Miller says, "We're done," after that third sprint-jog pole. But most of all, I will miss my teammates. Their ability to make me laugh; their ability to take my mind off any personal problems. You don't really know how close you can get to a group of guys until you spend 40 plus hours a week with them. The fact that they are making the page so hard to turn is how I know that they are what I will miss most.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
MM: Coming to Lehigh three years ago, I thought that I knew what it meant to work hard. I thought I knew how to manage my time. I thought I knew what it meant to be resilient. Soon after starting here at Lehigh, I realized I was very wrong. Being a student-athlete at Lehigh has shown me how much time and effort you have to put into something to be good at it. It has taught me that if you want to be exceptional in any aspect of your life, you have to commit your very being to that aspect. I cannot put into words how well my time management skills have improved since being a student-athlete at Lehigh. You learn to value every single minute of free time. Lastly, being a student-athlete at Lehigh has taught me that you will fail in life. However, it is not about how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up. Now, standing at the top of the hill that I have worked so hard to climb throughout my time at Lehigh, I can say that I have learned what it means to work hard, that I am much more mentally tough and that I have been equipped with a diverse skill set that will help me excel in the working world.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MM: Upon graduation in May, I will be moving to New York City to work for Citigroup as an Investment Banking Analyst.
#11 Matt Hand – SS/RHP – Newtown, Pa. -- Accounting
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
MH: This question is very difficult for me to answer in terms of having one single favorite memory. When I think back on my career as a mountain hawk, I always think about the time that I have been able to spend with my teammates day in and day out. Whether it was on the baseball field in a practice or in our offseason workouts in the weight room or on the mountain, I will always cherish the time spent with my teammates and coaches. In terms of one specific game, the one that sticks out to me occurred in 2018 against the Naval Academy at J. David Walker Field. We beat Navy 1-0 in one of the best pitched games I have ever seen. To be a part of that game in front of our home crowd was everything that I imagined when I committed to play at Lehigh four years ago.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
MH: I hope that the legacy that I leave is one that centers on hard work and determination. Although that sounds cliché and overwhelmingly unoriginal, I believe it is exactly what we embody here as student-athletes at Lehigh. Although I wish we were able to bring more success to the program and to the school, there is no denying that this group of seniors worked hard every single day on and off the field. I hope that I, along with my fellow seniors, brought a competitive mindset to the team in the face of opposition and certain hardships. One concept that we always speak about in this program is the idea of receiving help and advice from upperclassmen and then paying it forward when you are in a position of leadership. I hope that my legacy is rooted in this idea of paying it forward and giving everything that I have to this program for four years.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MH: The relationship that I have with my fellow seniors is one that I hope remains in my life forever. Coming in as freshmen, some of us knew each other from competing in high school and some of us were meeting for the first time. As these four years have passed, we have experienced all sorts of highs and lows and have grown closer together through each of these experiences. I truly believe that my fellow seniors have influenced my decisions not only in the game of baseball but also in life in general. I have undoubtedly grown as a person because of the impact that my fellow seniors have had on me.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
MH: As I reflect on my career at Lehigh, I can certainly say that I never expected it to end the way that it did. It is truly unfortunate that our senior season was cut short after all of the hard work that we put in throughout the offseason. However, I could not be more proud of my teammates and coaching staff for the way that we have handled this situation. In terms of acclimating to the "new normal", it has certainly been difficult. To have your life center around the game of baseball for 15+ years and then have it all come to an unexpected end has been one of the hardest things I have ever dealt with. But most importantly, I am grateful for the relationships that I have built over the years and knowing that these relationships will continue forever has given me a feeling of comfort in such an uncertain time.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
MH: The thing that I will miss most about Lehigh Baseball is the competitive nature of the sport. There is nothing better than running out onto the field with your teammates in a conference game and giving it all you've got in order to win a single game or a weekend series. I will miss the early morning workouts and the long hours spent on bus trips to play opponents in the early part of the season. I will miss the time we spend in the weight room and in leadership meetings because I know that these experiences have helped me grow into the person that I am today. Most of all, I will miss all of my coaches and teammates that motivate me each day to be a better player, student and person in general.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
MH: In terms of growing as a person through the Lehigh student-athlete experience, there are so many areas/experiences that have contributed to my personal growth. First, being a student-athlete has taught me how to effectively manage my team and my relationships in the classroom and on the field. In addition, playing a role in the athletics department leadership programs have shown me the importance of giving back to the community and devoting time to underclassmen in order to ensure that their experience at Lehigh is a positive one. Finally, being a captain on this team has shown me what it takes to lead a group of individuals through the ups and downs of college baseball. All of these experiences have allowed me to become a better communicator and a better-rounded individual.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MH: Following graduation, I will be working for PricewaterhouseCoopers as a technology consultant in their health industry advisory practice. I owe this accomplishment to Lehigh University as this school has given me all the necessary tools to be successful post-graduation. Without the help and support of my classmates, professors, and coaches, I would not be in the position that I am today. I am looking forward to staying close to the Lehigh Baseball family in the years to come.
#32 Tony Gallo – IF/OF – Newtown Square, Pa. – Earth and Environmental Science
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
TG: My favorite Lehigh baseball memory was hitting two walk-offs in the same day. It was an unbelievable experience that I was grateful to have had.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
TG: I hope to leave a fun legacy. I always had fun while playing baseball and I hope to leave that behind with my teammates. Baseball is a game and it is supposed to be fun. It's hard to have fun when you are losing but sometimes you have to take a step back and look at the big picture. Yes, we all want to win but it's important to realize how lucky you are to be able to play D1 collegiate baseball and appreciate it and enjoy it.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
TG: We are a small senior class (five people) because we lost a few along the way. The ones that made it to senior year definitely appreciate each other and respect what each of us have brought to the program. We all have different roles and personalities which is important in fully encompassing what a senior leader class needs.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
TG: I don't think I have fully acclimated to the "new normal". It hurts everyday thinking about how our senior campaigns ended. You can never really prepare for something like this. I never could have imagined that my baseball career would come to an end due to a virus.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
TG: I will miss stepping onto the field on game day and Coach Leary. Stepping onto the field is something that I will severely miss when I move on from baseball. There's no better feeling than running out to your position on game day for the first inning. I will also miss Coach Leary. He gave me the opportunity to play collegiate baseball and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity. He always believed in me even in times when I didn't believe in myself. Having a coach like that made my college baseball experience amazing.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
TG: Baseball at the collegiate level taught me that I am going to fail. In baseball and in life. However, it is not about what happens, it's about how I respond to my failures and how I recovery and comeback from them.
What are your postgraduate plans?
TG: I will be attending Physical Therapy School at Widener University.
This group of outstanding young men never got to finish out their baseball careers the way they would have liked to, but there's no doubting the stamp each and every one of them has left on the program, leaving Lehigh baseball better because of them moving forward.
Like Lehigh Baseball on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
#6 Tim DiLoreto – Catcher – Harleysville, Pa. – Mechanical Engineering
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
TD: I could talk about a specific game or moment during my career; although in light of recent events I believe the memory that will stick with me is TIME. The time I've dedicated, and the time spent with my teammates over the last four years has impacted me immensely. We have been blessed to have the ability to grow with one another and be a part of such an extraordinary program. The time I've invested with the Lehigh Baseball family will stick with me forever, cherish that and make the most of every moment.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
TD: As my Lehigh baseball career comes to a close, I hope to leave behind the legacy of hard work and determination. It's no secret we haven't had the success we hoped for just a few years ago, although I can leave here with the satisfaction that I gave everything I had to my teammates, past and present. If the current situation teaches us anything it's to leave it all out there, you never know when it's all going to be over. My message to my current teammates, your time here is too short, dedicate the early mornings and late nights to one another and most importantly play for each other. Don't let a second go to waste.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
TD: Simply put, we're a family. The countless hours on and off the field have forced us to grow and adapt with one another. The relationship we've had the privilege to develop over the past few years transcends our time as Lehigh Baseball players. This is a relationship that will last a lifetime and frankly one I will cherish as we depart and head in new directions.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
TD: I'm not sure if normal is the word I'd use to describe our current situation. It's still hard to put into words what it feels like to see your final season disappear at the bat of an eye. With that being said, I've taken the time to reflect on my college career and spend what time is left continuing to grow my relationship with my teammates. As an athletic community, we can take solace in the fact that we are not alone and can use this time to stay healthy for whatever endeavors come next.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
TD: My brothers, my teammates. Without a doubt the relationships developed being part of the Lehigh Baseball are unlike any other. Going to battle with these guys day in and day out was next to none. From the Freshman class all the way, it has truly been my pleasure to be part of this program. I will miss you all and wish you the best moving forward. Bring it home.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
TD: As many know, I have not had the most traditional Lehigh student-athlete experience. I walked onto the Baseball team twice, finally making the team my sophomore year. Looking back I can honestly say if it wasn't for the Lehigh Baseball program and Lehigh athletics I wouldn't be where I am today. The past three years have pushed to strive for success whether that be on the field or in the classroom. I have learned to handle defeat and will continue to live my life with the determination and drive to succeed that we preach here at Lehigh.
What are your postgraduate plans?
TD: Upon graduation, I will be working as a Mechanical Engineer at Air Products as part of their Career Development Program. My initial assignment will be at the company headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania with potential future assignments across the US. As I transition into the 'real' world I'm looking forward to the challenges and new opportunities the future holds.
#7 Jake Kochmansky – OF – East Stroudsburg, Pa. – Mathematics
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
JK: Sweeping Bucknell at home during the 2019 season
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
JK: Be a Shark. For clarity's sake, a shark must be in a perpetual state of swimming forward or the shark will die. The essence of being a shark or what one might call a shark mindset is devoting oneself to goal and holding oneself accountable to achieve said goal in spite of the obstacles that are ahead. This mindset is not just applicable to athletics but to all aspects of life. Find someone who can help academically, financially, or relationally. Find a shark and attach oneself to him/her like a sucker fish (actually name is a Pilot Fish). Find your niche and excel at it. Given time, one's mindset will change and they will be a shark themselves.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JK: Mike, Matt, Tim, and Tony. This group of guys will always mean the world to me. We arrived on campus as kids without any real sense of what life own your own truly is - we grew up together. The last three and a half years have gifted me the brothers I never had. We've gone through some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. My classmates have undoubtedly made an impact on me and my life and I am forever grateful. I would be remiss if I did not mention the others in our class: Jason, Levi, Bev, Adam, and Blake.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
JK: Lehigh Baseball has given me the gift of perspective. Tragedy has struck myself, my teammates and the program unexpectedly and tragically. It provides clarity to what we truly value as a whole and individually. So as much as it hurts that our season was cancelled and academics have transitioned to being online, the potential consequences of COVID-19 are not worth it. Lehigh Baseball has prepared us for this.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
JK: Without question, I will miss my teammates the most. Spending countless hours together, we develop brotherly bonds that will last the rest of our lives. I never thought I would miss the long bus rides, but as the remainder of our season was stolen, I seem to yearn for the packed bus with guys throwing Uncrustables to those in the back or watching National Treasure for the fifth straight trip.
Mentally, I had been preparing myself for the eventual "goodbyes" once our season came to its natural conclusion. Yet, the suddenness of the decision to cancel the season left me shocked and at a loss for words. The impromptu farewells after our final practice will forever live in my memory. To my teammates, I love you guys.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
JK: Along with perspective, Lehigh Baseball has taught me how to fail. Baseball, itself, is a game of failure. If you do not brush off the previous error or strikeout, another one is sure to follow. Our lives will not go as we plan them - surely no one planned for a season cancellation - so we must pick ourselves up and move forward.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JK: Starting this fall, I will be attending Georgetown University as a Master's Candidate. I will be pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Policy as well as a Master's Degree in American Government.
#10 Mike Maguire – CF – Franklin Park, N.J. -- Accounting
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
MM: At VMI junior year, we were down 10-9 with two outs in the top of the ninth, bases loaded. Jake comes up and hits a single, scoring two runs to make it 11-10. I came up right after Jake and hit a bases-clearing triple to push the lead to three. Truly an unforgettable feeling and moment.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
MM: I hope that I have left behind a legacy of perseverance, transformation, and affability. I hope that my teammates and classmates viewed me as someone who would stop at nothing to achieve something once I set my eyes on it, as someone who experienced a transformation of mindset and made sacrifices in pursuit of his goals, and someone who made it a point every day at practice to ask his teammates how their day was or to have them tell him a fun fact.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MM: What I believe is really special about my relationship with my fellow seniors is that it extends far beyond the baseball field. I have such a special bond with them that I feel comfortable reaching out to any one of them for guidance with something or to just chat about life. I was incredibly fortunate to be able to create lasting memories with each of them and I think sharing some of these memories will put into perspective how special these bonds are. As silly as this may be, Tim and I were bus buddies in our sophomore year. Sitting together for 10-hour bus rides, banging elbows, spilling coffees, and wrestling with our clunky laptops trying to get work done together are things that I simply won't ever forget. Spending countless hours with Matt doing accounting homework, holding our breaths as we pressed submit on every 315/316 quiz, and that god-awful 5:30am alarm that would go off every Monday morning this past summer when we lived together in New York City. I've spent the past two Memorial Day Weekend's with Tony at his beach house in Ocean City, learning that "Cornhole" is much more than a family-fun backyard game, and that Mrs. Gallo makes the best meatballs. And lastly, Jake, who was crazy enough to go with me to Packard Lab at 3:30am after returning from Davidson in our sophomore year because we needed to finish studying for an exam. Each of these guys has played tremendous roles in helping me progress academically, socially, and athletically, and I would not be where I am today without them.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
MM: I actually haven't had too much trouble acclimating to this "new normal." I have begun reading fiction and playing video games with some of my newly found free time. In addition, I have to pass the Securities Industry Essentials Exam before starting work this summer, so I have been studying for that as well. The online classes are not as bad as I thought they were going to be, and I have been enjoying being able to attend class from my bedroom.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
MM: It's really hard to pick one thing that I will miss most. There are so many aspects of Lehigh Baseball that I looked forward to every day, every week, and every year. I will miss screaming "UP!!!" at the top of my lungs with 33 other guys as a teammate tries to squat his new personal record. I will miss chasing down fly balls in the gap. I will miss taking my sweet time jogging around the bases after losing sight of the ball as it lands over the fence. I will miss gossiping in our stretching circles. I will miss sitting on the turf, eating a Bagel Basket ham sandwich between games. I will miss the team showers after the game celebrating a victory. I will miss that feeling of hoping Coach Miller says, "We're done," after that third sprint-jog pole. But most of all, I will miss my teammates. Their ability to make me laugh; their ability to take my mind off any personal problems. You don't really know how close you can get to a group of guys until you spend 40 plus hours a week with them. The fact that they are making the page so hard to turn is how I know that they are what I will miss most.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
MM: Coming to Lehigh three years ago, I thought that I knew what it meant to work hard. I thought I knew how to manage my time. I thought I knew what it meant to be resilient. Soon after starting here at Lehigh, I realized I was very wrong. Being a student-athlete at Lehigh has shown me how much time and effort you have to put into something to be good at it. It has taught me that if you want to be exceptional in any aspect of your life, you have to commit your very being to that aspect. I cannot put into words how well my time management skills have improved since being a student-athlete at Lehigh. You learn to value every single minute of free time. Lastly, being a student-athlete at Lehigh has taught me that you will fail in life. However, it is not about how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up. Now, standing at the top of the hill that I have worked so hard to climb throughout my time at Lehigh, I can say that I have learned what it means to work hard, that I am much more mentally tough and that I have been equipped with a diverse skill set that will help me excel in the working world.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MM: Upon graduation in May, I will be moving to New York City to work for Citigroup as an Investment Banking Analyst.
#11 Matt Hand – SS/RHP – Newtown, Pa. -- Accounting
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
MH: This question is very difficult for me to answer in terms of having one single favorite memory. When I think back on my career as a mountain hawk, I always think about the time that I have been able to spend with my teammates day in and day out. Whether it was on the baseball field in a practice or in our offseason workouts in the weight room or on the mountain, I will always cherish the time spent with my teammates and coaches. In terms of one specific game, the one that sticks out to me occurred in 2018 against the Naval Academy at J. David Walker Field. We beat Navy 1-0 in one of the best pitched games I have ever seen. To be a part of that game in front of our home crowd was everything that I imagined when I committed to play at Lehigh four years ago.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
MH: I hope that the legacy that I leave is one that centers on hard work and determination. Although that sounds cliché and overwhelmingly unoriginal, I believe it is exactly what we embody here as student-athletes at Lehigh. Although I wish we were able to bring more success to the program and to the school, there is no denying that this group of seniors worked hard every single day on and off the field. I hope that I, along with my fellow seniors, brought a competitive mindset to the team in the face of opposition and certain hardships. One concept that we always speak about in this program is the idea of receiving help and advice from upperclassmen and then paying it forward when you are in a position of leadership. I hope that my legacy is rooted in this idea of paying it forward and giving everything that I have to this program for four years.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MH: The relationship that I have with my fellow seniors is one that I hope remains in my life forever. Coming in as freshmen, some of us knew each other from competing in high school and some of us were meeting for the first time. As these four years have passed, we have experienced all sorts of highs and lows and have grown closer together through each of these experiences. I truly believe that my fellow seniors have influenced my decisions not only in the game of baseball but also in life in general. I have undoubtedly grown as a person because of the impact that my fellow seniors have had on me.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
MH: As I reflect on my career at Lehigh, I can certainly say that I never expected it to end the way that it did. It is truly unfortunate that our senior season was cut short after all of the hard work that we put in throughout the offseason. However, I could not be more proud of my teammates and coaching staff for the way that we have handled this situation. In terms of acclimating to the "new normal", it has certainly been difficult. To have your life center around the game of baseball for 15+ years and then have it all come to an unexpected end has been one of the hardest things I have ever dealt with. But most importantly, I am grateful for the relationships that I have built over the years and knowing that these relationships will continue forever has given me a feeling of comfort in such an uncertain time.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
MH: The thing that I will miss most about Lehigh Baseball is the competitive nature of the sport. There is nothing better than running out onto the field with your teammates in a conference game and giving it all you've got in order to win a single game or a weekend series. I will miss the early morning workouts and the long hours spent on bus trips to play opponents in the early part of the season. I will miss the time we spend in the weight room and in leadership meetings because I know that these experiences have helped me grow into the person that I am today. Most of all, I will miss all of my coaches and teammates that motivate me each day to be a better player, student and person in general.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
MH: In terms of growing as a person through the Lehigh student-athlete experience, there are so many areas/experiences that have contributed to my personal growth. First, being a student-athlete has taught me how to effectively manage my team and my relationships in the classroom and on the field. In addition, playing a role in the athletics department leadership programs have shown me the importance of giving back to the community and devoting time to underclassmen in order to ensure that their experience at Lehigh is a positive one. Finally, being a captain on this team has shown me what it takes to lead a group of individuals through the ups and downs of college baseball. All of these experiences have allowed me to become a better communicator and a better-rounded individual.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MH: Following graduation, I will be working for PricewaterhouseCoopers as a technology consultant in their health industry advisory practice. I owe this accomplishment to Lehigh University as this school has given me all the necessary tools to be successful post-graduation. Without the help and support of my classmates, professors, and coaches, I would not be in the position that I am today. I am looking forward to staying close to the Lehigh Baseball family in the years to come.
#32 Tony Gallo – IF/OF – Newtown Square, Pa. – Earth and Environmental Science
What's your favorite Lehigh Baseball memory?
TG: My favorite Lehigh baseball memory was hitting two walk-offs in the same day. It was an unbelievable experience that I was grateful to have had.
What legacy do you hope you're leaving?
TG: I hope to leave a fun legacy. I always had fun while playing baseball and I hope to leave that behind with my teammates. Baseball is a game and it is supposed to be fun. It's hard to have fun when you are losing but sometimes you have to take a step back and look at the big picture. Yes, we all want to win but it's important to realize how lucky you are to be able to play D1 collegiate baseball and appreciate it and enjoy it.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
TG: We are a small senior class (five people) because we lost a few along the way. The ones that made it to senior year definitely appreciate each other and respect what each of us have brought to the program. We all have different roles and personalities which is important in fully encompassing what a senior leader class needs.
How have you acclimated to the "new normal" with everything happening in the world?
TG: I don't think I have fully acclimated to the "new normal". It hurts everyday thinking about how our senior campaigns ended. You can never really prepare for something like this. I never could have imagined that my baseball career would come to an end due to a virus.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Baseball?
TG: I will miss stepping onto the field on game day and Coach Leary. Stepping onto the field is something that I will severely miss when I move on from baseball. There's no better feeling than running out to your position on game day for the first inning. I will also miss Coach Leary. He gave me the opportunity to play collegiate baseball and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity. He always believed in me even in times when I didn't believe in myself. Having a coach like that made my college baseball experience amazing.
Thinking about where you were three years ago to now, how has the Lehigh student-athlete experience helped you grow as a person?
TG: Baseball at the collegiate level taught me that I am going to fail. In baseball and in life. However, it is not about what happens, it's about how I respond to my failures and how I recovery and comeback from them.
What are your postgraduate plans?
TG: I will be attending Physical Therapy School at Widener University.
Players Mentioned
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/ BaseballMHT EP13 - Baseball
Wednesday, March 25
Baseball vs. Holy Cross 2
Saturday, March 21
Baseball vs. Holy Cross 1
Saturday, March 21
Baseball vs. Navy
Saturday, March 14
