Despite coaching change, expectations remain high for Salem State baseball team
Captains: Jack Sefrino, Brahiam Ortega, Jake Boucher, Brock Pare
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
A month ago, assistant coach Andrew Gummow was preparing for his second season with the Salem State baseball program. However, his role quickly changed as head coach Jason Falcon resigned to take the same position at RPI at the end of January. The Vikings suddenly became a team without a head coach, just as their season was beginning.
Despite limited coaching experience at the collegiate level, coach Gummow, who played for four years and was a captain at Keene State, felt ready to transition to the position as interim head coach, and the expectations of the 2023 Vikings did not waiver.
"I think we have the opportunity to do something special," said Gummow. "Especially since we have some older guys that are not only great leaders, but great teammates as well. I think that's going to be a big difference… the captains are fantastic and we have the ship in the right direction, especially the pitching staff."
On the field, there won't be many changes. Coach Falcon did a good job of building a foundation and I am well prepared to handle the day-to-day responsibilities. "
The Vikings, who were 11-10 in the MASCAC last season were picked fourth in the just released MASCAC Baseball Pre-season Poll.
All-Conference and all-region honoree and captain Jake Boucher is back for the team after he finished in the top-10 in the MASCAC in hits (51), doubles (11) total bases (64) and runs (31). The right-hander also made 12 appearances on the mound, going 1-0 with a six saves, which were second most in the MASCAC.
Two leaders that Gummow will be relying on are starting pitcher Brock Pare and pitcher/inf Jack Sefrino. Pare, who is a senior, added, "Last year we had a new head coach come in and I thought he did a pretty good job. it's tough coming into a program and coach the way that you want to based on how the program was already set up. I believe that this team has the right chemistry, and every week we are together the team grows closer and more motivated."
Sefrino, a junior who started 10 games as a pitcher and batted .273 in in 77 at-bats, still has the expectation of winning a championship, and along with shortstop Brahiam Ortega, who appeared in all 42 games last season, believe their experience will help them achieve their goals. According to Pare, "the experienced group believes that this team has the right chemistry, and every week we grow closer and become more motivated as the season draws closer.
Despite the setback to begin the season, coach Gummow and the team are ready to bring back the championship they won just as recently as 2021.