BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Experience is a key component to being selected a team captain, and with the Moravian College baseball team returning three captains from last season's Landmark Conference championship run, that leadership role becomes even more important.
Senior outfielder Joseph Connell, junior outfielder Matt Hanson and junior third baseman Ryan Luke will all resume their roles as captains of the Greyhounds, while senior pitcher Chris Soltys joins the group for the 2014 season.
The Greyhounds return the vast majority of the roster that went 24-19 last season en route to a Landmark Conference title and a trip to the NCAA Division III Regionals. One of the captains' objectives is to build on that progress when spring rolls around without becoming overconfident or complacent.
Soltys has pitched in 35 games over the past two seasons while recording five saves. He posted a 2.36 ERA out of the bullpen last season and brings an infectious demeanor to the mound in pressure situations.
"We named Chris as a new captain to establish leadership and strength within the pitching staff," said head coach Paul Engelhardt, who begins his eighth season with the club in 2014. "His effort is second to none on the team, and that brand of baseball related to our pitchers is exactly the leadership we want for them. His personality will push the pitchers to achieve our established pitching goals and routines. Chris earned the right to be a captain, and the kids respect him immensely."
Connell played in and started 42 games for the Greyhounds last season, which was honored by an American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region Third Team selection. He had a batting average of .359 (56-for-156), a .513 slugging percentage and a .402 on-base percentage. Connell showcased all five tools with 28 runs scored, 40 RBIs, nine stolen bases, 10 doubles, 10 walks, four triples and two home runs to go with a 1.000 fielding percentage in 102 chances.
"Joey has matured into a true leader on and off the field," Engelhardt said. "The relationships he fosters are with a purpose toward our team goals and philosophy. Being a starter for three years, and getting Regional recognition only increases his stature among his teammates, and creates a culture of excellence. He is a great leader on and off the field."
Hanson was a Landmark All-Conference First Team honoree last spring, while also earning ABCA All-Region Third Team recognition. His .377 (52-for-138) batting average led the Greyhounds, as did his .543 slugging percentage and .466 on-base percentage. Hanson had 33 runs scored, 20 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, 15 walks, 13 doubles and five triples.
"Matt leads by example and hard work," Engelhardt said. "The kids respect his all-out mentality and feed off of his toughness. He's quiet by nature, but a kid that would run through a wall to help his team and teammates. It takes competitors to win, and Matt is the strongest competitor we have."
Luke, a Landmark All-Conference Second Team selection in 2013, is a strong leader off the field and lets his bat do the talking on the diamond. He had a team-best 41 RBIs last season, and batted .327 (50-for-153) while adding 28 runs scored, 12 doubles, three triples, two home runs, nine walks and five stolen bases.
"Ryan knows his team's strengths and weaknesses," Engelhardt said. "He is the guy that can break down what a coach is explaining and support that cause to his team. He's a real captain in the sense he believes in our goals and pushes his teammates to meet them."
With a strong core of returning leaders, the Greyhounds will begin the quest for back-to-back conference titles when the 2014 season begins on Feb. 21 at the 7th Annual Floyd B. Wilcox Memorial Tournament at Hampden-Sydney College.
