The NCBWA and D3baseball.com ranked Oswego State baseball as No.11 entering the 2018 season. Additionally, Oswego has been ranked No. 2 within its conference by the SUNYAC Coaches poll, preceded by only national No.1 Cortland.
Entering the spring following its top finish in program history, Oswego was also ranked No.15 by Collegiate Baseball’s NCAA Division III poll. Collegiate Baseball subsequently identified Robert Donnelly, Mike Dellicarri, and John Barnes as players to watch this season. Donnelly’s positional depth, along with Barnes’ and Dellicarri’s power at the plate have Oswego ready for the first pitch of the 2018 season.
Dellicarri finished his incredible sophomore season in the top three of every major offensive category for Oswego through average, at-bats, runs, hits, RBI,while also leading Oswego in home runs with seven. Dellicarri’s production earned him a selection to the All-SUNYAC Second Team.
Barnes, like Dellicarri, was an integral source of offense for the Lakers last season. Barnes also finished in the top three of most offensive categories for Oswego, including at-bats, runs, hits and RBI. The senior also was second on the team in steals with 13.
Donnelly returns as Oswego’s best utility threat, as a top starting pitcher, middle infielder and hitter. On the mound, the New City, N.Y. native ended the 2017 campaign with an ERA of 3.60, notching an impressive 28 strikeouts to 11 walks. In the field, Donnelly finished the season with a .917 fielding percentage, turning 11 double plays for the Lakers. Donnelly produced at the plate as well, knocking in 19 runs in 2017. The junior’s double-edged utility will continue to benefit the Lakers in the upcoming season.
Oswego finds itself still in promising position to build on last year’s success. With its mix of veteran presence and young talent.
