Baseball Returns to RCB Ballpark

Wagner College takes the field starting in 2008

By: Robert Pimpsner

April 10, 2008 – It is spring time and with the Major League Baseball and full season minor leagues in full swing it is only a matter of time for the Baby Bombers to take the field again in hopes of capturing their fifth NY-Penn League Championship.  However, with the Staten Island Yankees season a few months away the Richmond County Bank Ballpark has officially been christened the new home of Division 1 college baseball.

In 2008 the ballpark by the bay is serving its first season as the home to Wagner College Baseball.  The Seahawks previously played at Dr. Bill Willetts Field located on the school’s Grymes Hill campus.  “Now we have arguably the best home park in the conference to go along with a great view for fans,” said Wagner’s Assistant SID Kevin Ross, “Our players also are getting a taste of the minors while still enjoying their amateur years.”

It is a transition for Wagner said Ross “From a playing perspective, it's night and day between Willetts Field, our old on-campus field. There we were cramped (280 foot right field porch) and we didn't have a warning track… It's a traditional pitcher's park, especially when it is cold and really makes teams buckle down and play good defense because now runs are at a premium.”

The move also gives Wagner access to do more then they were able to on Grymes Hill.  “It allows us perks that many of the BCS conferences enjoy. For instance we have the resources to place games on TV or air them on the radio while providing live stats. Before, we had a small press box with no internet.”

So far the change has been beneficial for the Seahawks as they are 7-3 at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark this season, with a 4-0 record in conference.  The green and white are lead by senior lefty Joe Testa, who has a 2.82 ERA this year with a 3-3 record.  The hard-thrower has recently set a new Wagner record for career strikeouts.  In addition the Seahawks staff boasts another lefty in the person of Jack Rice.  Rice has split time between pitching and first base.  He has a 1.53 ERA and a perfect 4-0 record so far this season.