TYLER PACOS
Staff Writer
Spring sports are back in Fredonia.
Now that most of the COVID-19 protocols have been lifted by the school, athletic teams are fully cleared for play. For some, it’s their first “normal” season, while others are ready to get to work for their new team. The Blue Devils went 3–16 overall last year, and 0–16 in the SUNYAC conference. They will look forward to getting back into the winning column this season, which will be led by their more experienced players on the roster, as well as new head coach Jordan Basile.
Matt Palisin decided to step down and take on a different role with the school after being the head coach of the Fredonia baseball team for 19 years, giving former Fredonia State student Jordan Basile the gig. Basile brings 12 years of experience with him to Fredonia.
He has worked with numerous organizations, most recently with neighboring south county school SUNY Jamestown Community College (JCC). Basile has also worked in the professional level of baseball as he assisted with player development with the Detroit Lions (MLB) back in 2011.
Despite being involved with numerous organizations throughout the duration of his career, Basile is eager to get started this season and seems to be fitting right in. “I can truthfully say that Fredonia feels like home to me, and this is somewhere I plan to be for a long period of time,” said Basile.
Basile was also asked about what he expects his team to focus on for the remainder of the season; his response was heartfelt for his new team and especially the 16 seniors on the squad. “I want these guys to enjoy it, embrace it, have fun, know that we’re all in this together and go out and leave it on the field.” He continued, “If we do that, whether we win it all, or we’re second place, third place or wherever we end up, we can look back and say we left it on the field.”
The Blue Devils continue conference play this week taking on Cortland on the road for three games. So far, they have managed to go 9–8 this season, including tournaments they competed in at Myrtle Beach, S.C. at The Ripken Experience and numerous locations in Florida for the Russmatt Central Florida Invitational.