  | Both coach and players give all they’ve got to keep baseball alive at URI | ||||||
Team SpiritBy Shane Donaldson ’99 With a new two-year contract extension entering his 10th season, Coach Frank Leoni ’91 doesn’t need to work field maintenance on the infield, but he does. With him are his assistant coaches and players. That’s how his baseball program works. Everyone works to keep things in shape. Seeing a baseball team do field prep before and after spring practices is common. However, the Rams also keep the field up throughout the off-season.
“We’re very meticulous because the kids realize when things break down, we are not privy to a lot of resources to fix things up,” said Leoni, who also starred as a shortstop at Rhody. “That appreciation is something they carry into their lives, even when they are away from baseball.” Despite its varsity status, baseball is a “non-revenue” sport. Team members do much of the funding by selling T-shirts and working as ushers at football and basketball games. Other support comes from the baseball alumni program founded by Leoni. “Part of my philosophy is to create a family-like atmosphere,” Leoni said. “Our kids learn from Day One that we expect them to put family first. Nobody really likes taking care of the field, but when new players see the coaches and upperclassmen doing it, they realize there is a purpose behind it.” Rhody has put together three straight 20-win seasons, including a school record 27-win campaign last season. Four of Leoni’s players have signed professional contracts, including 2001 graduates Mike LaBarbera and Jon Scullin. “When a guy goes on to the professional level, he is a direct result of a system that has worked, and it is easier for younger players to buy into it,” Leoni said. “People like Mike and Jon represent the type of citizen we want. It shows this program has a lot of substance.” The team works endlessly to improve the grounds. In addition to redoing the infield, installing a new sprinkler system, and getting new dugouts, bullpens and a scoreboard, other upgrades—including a rubberized warning track, a new outfield fence, and bleachers—are in store. The players also run clinics in the offseason, some of which are used as high school prospect clinics. In addition to inviting locals, Leoni welcomes prospects in the recruiting database, which allows the coaches to evaluate players in a clinic setting while giving kids a chance to see the campus. Also important is community support. Leoni invites youths to contact him when they plan on attending games so they can meet his players. “One time this women called me and wanted to have her son’s birthday party at a game,” Leoni said. “A dozen kids came before the game and shagged balls with the team. They all spent time with our players and got autographed baseballs.” Leoni initially came to save the baseball program. “When I took the job I was 23 years old, and at that age you think you are Superman,” Leoni said. “If I knew then what I know now, I don’t know if I would’ve gotten myself into it. But I’m glad I did. I consider URI baseball to be an extension of my family, and those are the two most important things in my life.” The team plays 54 games between February 23 and June 2. Listed here are the home games. For further information, check the Web at gorhody.com and click on baseball. |
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