University of Delaware Athletics
Despite Cancelations, Blue Hens Honor Eight Seniors
5/21/2018 9:55:00 PM | Baseball
NEWARK, Del. -- After weather necessitated the cancelation of Saturday's 'Senior Day' game against Northeastern, head coach Jim Sherman and the entire Blue Hens program had to get creative to find a way to honor eight members of the Blue Hens program.
The head coach with the help of the Blue Hens parents decided to move the annual end-of-year picnic under the west stands of Delaware Stadium, holding a 90-minute program that was highlighted by each senior receiving a framed jersey, the selections of six team related awards and a few opening remarks. Guests included long-time head man Bob Hannah, former players, the current team/coaches as well as family and friends.
The Blue Hens honored Matt Hornich, Mike Krusinski, James Meeker, Diaz Nardo, Austin Niggebrugge, Nick Spadafino, Calvin Scott and Colman V for their numerous contributions to the Delaware program.
This year's senior group amassed 121 overall victories, two 30+ win seasons, 48 Colonial Athletic Association victories and a CAA Postseason title (2017). Each of the eight seniors received a framed jersey as a token of gratitude for the many contributions to both Delaware and the baseball program.
With the 'senior recognition' complete the afternoon continued with this season's awards being revealed. Associate head coach Dan Hammer awarded this season's Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
After batting .349 with 68 hits, 37 RBI, 14 extra-base hits and nine stolen bases, junior Kyle Baker earned Offensive Player of the Year. Baker has recorded a team-leading 23 multiple hit games and has driven in multiple runs in eight contests. The Delaware native finished in the top-five of the final CAA batting race and scored 27 runs.
The Defensive Player of the Year award was given to first baseman Nick Patten, who committed just two errors in 430 attempts. Patten led the Blue Hens with a fielding percentage of .996, recording 27 assists.
Junior Kyle Hinton (Pitcher of the Year) was the next honoree. After transitioning from the bullpen to the rotation, Hinton lowed his era from 6.60 last season to 2.83 this season. Over his 82.2 innings of work in 2018, the Delaware native struck out 84 batters compared to just 39 walks. Hinton pitched to a record of 6-5, allowing just 26 earned runs over his 15 appearances (14 starts).
Sherman needed a special guest for the next award, as former Blue Hens manager Max Orland awarded the Max Orland Rookie of the Year award to freshman Billy Sullivan IV. A two-time CAA Pitcher of the Week honoree, Sullivan pitched to a record of 6-3 overall, striking out 84 batters over 65.2 innings of work. The Blue Hens went 9-4 over his 13 starts.
The afternoon continued with the selection of the Perry Burkett Triple Play Effort Award (Dedication, Inspiration
With a majority of the awards complete, Sherman announced the selection of the Pape Lukk Team MVP and the UD Team Sportsmanship award. The final two honorees were Vila (MVP) and Spadafino (Sportsmanship).
A redshirt senior from New York, Vila has been a critical part of the Blue Hens bullpen, earning five victories and five saves. The senior has allowed just eight earned runs in 43.2 innings pitched. The lefty's 1.65 ERA led the team, as he recorded 53 strikeouts. Vila will leave Delaware as the program's all-time appearance leader. A two-time captain, Spadafino appeared in 15 games making eight starts making big contributions both as a starter and a reliever.
The Blue Hens concluded the regular season with a record of 29-24, 12-11 in the CAA. Delaware advanced to its sixth CAA tournament appearance in the last seven years. UD will open the championship Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. against UNCW.
