2011 Baseball Season Preview

ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend baseball program has a long standing tradition of success under head coach, Paul Benim, who is in his 19th year. The Lions have played in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) championship game six of the past nine seasons, capturing titles in 2003, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Last season, the Lions accomplished a feat no other AMCC team has done by winning their third straight conference championship. This year, Behrend has its sights on making it four AMCC titles in a row and returning to the NCAA Tournament.

"Our program's goal is to compete every day, win the AMCC championship and continue in postseason play every year," said head coach Paul Benim. "Regardless of the players we have returning or lost, that is always going to be our goal."

Not only did the Lions advance to the NCAA Championships in 2010, but they won their first-ever regional game including an upset over No. 4 Wooster. Behrend finished the year 31-17 and ranked No. 25 in the nation by D3baseball.com, while ranking statistically in walks (2nd) and steals (9th).

"The 2010 season was amazing for our program," said Benim. "We played our best baseball down the stretch and finished strong."

Seven seniors from the 2010 team were recognized as the winningest class in program history, racking up a 123-54 mark and carving their names into the baseball record books. This year's eight seniors competing in their final season in 2011 have a chance to break that record.

"Last year's senior class made a positive impact on our program and will be missed," said Benim. "However, we are fortunate to have eight seniors who are very hard working, have met great success and are preparing to meet the challenges of the upcoming season."

Six newcomers join the eight seniors and the remaining 13 letterwinners in hopes of continuing the Lions' success from the previous three seasons.  

"Our aspirations are high entering this spring, but our process has to be thorough, and we need contributions from each and every member of the roster," said Benim. "There is a tremendous opportunity for several new players to earn some reps, and our staff is looking forward to seeing what these players can do."

There will be two familiar faces among the staff on the Behrend bench. David Koerbel adn Josh Fyffe each had decorated careers for the Lions and look to help the program as young coaches. Fyffe will coach first base and work with the infielders, while Koerbel will mentor the pitching staff and top returning hurler Ryan Zamiskie. 

Zamiskie earned attention by the Collegiate Baseball (CB) Magazine as one of the Division III Players to Watch for the upcoming season.  The senior right-hander and All-AMCC first-team choice, posted an impressive 7-1 record on the mound to go along with a team-low 1.50 ERA. He allowed the fewest runs (14) in 54 innings pitched and struck out 50 batters.  

Senior Andy Kountz returns to the staff after making 15 appearances out of the bullpen and pitching 26 innings. Ryan Jacobs, a talented right-handed pitcher and All-AMCC second-team selection, will also take the mound for the Lions. The sophomore tied for most wins on the hill with a 7-3 record and tallied the second-best ERA on the team. Jacobs pitched a season-high 63 innings and struck out 46 batters, while throwing three complete games in 13 starts.  

Sophomore Mike Moyer returns with one year on the hill under his belt. As a freshman, he was 4-2 with six starts in eight appearances.  He ranked fourth on the team with 25 strikeouts and posted a 4.62 ERA, third best for Behrend. Pitchers are one thing the Lions will not run out of. In addition to these four, eight more hurlers are featured on the roster, with five playing for the first time in a Behrend uniform. 

Senior Ed Kessler will get the starting nod at shortstop after playing at second base last season. Along with Zamiskie, he earned the CB Magazine honor for the second consecutive year. Kessler was solid at the plate, cranking out 23 hits and scoring 31 runs. He drove in 11 and went 9-for-9 in stolen bases. 

The remaining infield will consist of senior Harry Latta, junior Joe Paterniti and sophomore Matt Bittner. Latta, who tallied 16 runs on 21 hits and drove in 16 last season, will occupy first base. Junior second-bagger Paterniti appeared in 14 games, while Bittner will continue to make an impact his second year. The All-AMCC second-team choice, statistically had a tremendous year, averaging .367 and drove in 30 on 33 hits. 

Behind the plate will be Ryan Geibel.  One of the Players to Watch by CB Magazine, the junior catcher had a breakthrough season in 2010. He recorded a .375 batting average with 10 doubles, 24 walks and 30 runs driven in. 

When taking a look at the Behrend's lineup this season, you will find the outfield laced with veterans including seniors Rich Doyle and Geoff Lang. Doyle takes three years of experience into the outfield. He started 19 games, collecting 12 hits and RBIs. Doyle also scored 15 runs and went 9-for-11 in stolen bases. Lang is a two-time All-AMCC second-team pick. He hit .317 and started 37 games in the outfield. Doyle smacked seven doubles and stole 15 bases. 

The Lions open the spring in Florida on March 6 and return home to face a four-game road stretch before hosting Hilbert on March 30.