New Paltz Sports Information Department

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — Along with the rest of the spring sports, the New Paltz baseball team's 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hawks were primed for a bounce-back season, bringing in several new faces all along their lineup. They showed promise, working hard in the offseason and opened up the season 2-2, earning wins over Mount Saint Mary College and Scranton, including a thrilling rally over the latter on March 11 before the season came to a premature end. Second-year Hawks head coach Thomas Seay talked about the potential he saw from his group this year and the re-focus to the 2021 campaign, which can't come soon enough for the team. 

Read the full Q&A below:
 

You had 12 new faces entering the program in 2020, although you only played four games how much potential did you see from them?

I think we saw very early on this group had the potential to be very special. From day one in the fall the coaching staff and myself really challenged this group to push harder, be more mentally tough and commit to the process of winning and they completely bought into the expectations of the program. What disappoints me most about this situation is this group did not get the opportunity to be recognized for their sacrifice and ultimately the success they would have accomplished. But I wanted the 2020 team to know how appreciative I am for their hard work, attention to detail and their willingness to be coached. They have set the foundation that our championship teams in the future will be built upon. 

Through your four games played, what were some positives that you saw from your team?

Without a question, it was our defense. We were playing championship level defense. Overall we were playing winning baseball. Our team was young, especially our offense, but we were having competitive at-bats and I really think we were going to come into our own very soon. We were just too athletic not to be productive offensively. Pitching was vastly improved from last year as well. We were playing great baseball in all facets of the game. This could have been a remarkable season. 

How hard was it to have the conversation with your team to let them know their season came to an end? How do you prepare for a conversation like that as a coach?

You can't prepare for that type of conversation. Every season has an ending, but not this abrupt. I just thanked the seniors for their contributions and told them that if this is the hardest thing they have to go through in life then they've lived a very charmed life. Did it hurt in the moment, absolutely. Your heart breaks for those seven seniors, but like we talk about regularly with our players, those times that are most trying are the moments greatness can happen. Those seven men will be great because of these trying times. 

What are some ways the team has stayed connected through these times?

This group is really close, so we are constantly in conversation with each other. The biggest thing I've stressed to them is their academics. I'm hopeful we have our best semester to date academically. But we've talked and text, I'm not the most gadget friendly person or social media savvy, but I've been able to keep in contact them.

Have you seen more players step up in a leadership role to keep the team focused through an early offseason with workouts, ect?

I've been very pleased with the player's commitment to fitness during this ordeal. It's not easy to get motivated when there's nowhere to go workout. We have some really creative guys in this program. Some are making home gyms out of old equipment or other household/garage stuff. I call it the "junk yard dog" system. We are going to have some hungry, mentally tough men come next fall. I can't wait. 

What are you most looking forward to once everyone is able to get back on campus?

Getting back on the field and attacking each day with the 2021 team. The New Paltz Hawks won't take one day for granted. We've dealt with a lot of adversity in my first two seasons as head coach, it's time for some prosperity. I have no doubt the energy; passion and excitement for the 2021 season will be infectious.