Freshman shines for Spartans

The Spartan baseball team failed to bring home a championship this year, but the dazzling play of freshman phenom Travis Bass left the team with something to be happy about – and possibly to look forward to.Nobody knew what to expect from Bass coming out of the gates in the 2007 season, but if there were any critics at the time, they have been silenced.

If there are trophies given out for the different statistical leaders, Bass is going to need to a Dump trunk to bring home his hardware.

Besides being named North Atlantic Conference rookie of the year, Bass was among the leaders in batting average (.435), slugging percentage (.609) and on base percentage (.494) That still wasn’t enough for Bass, who also went onto lead the league with a superb 60 hits and 47 runs scored.

“I have been successful because of good off season preparation,” said Bass a few days before his Spartans get tossed from the NAC tournament.

The Spartans were victorious in the first round, where their bats exploded for 16 runs and their pitchers allowed only one run in defeating Maine Farmington.

But day two for Coach Ted Shipley’s squad sang a different tune as they were smacked by St. Josephs College 12-1.

Bass and his teammates were a number one seed entering the NAC tournament as they possessed a stellar 10-2 conference record.

He credits the team’s assistant coaches for the team’s success this season on the diamond.

“Coach Godlewski and Coach Kimbler have been huge. Their outstanding dedication is what has helped the team stay focused and ready for battle during the season,” said Bass.

Bass says first year coach Kimbler is responsible for his potent bat and stellar defensive skills in the field. Bass, the team’s leadoff hitter, started all 35 games at shortstop for the green this season.

“I have been successful because of good off season preparation and the coaching of coach Kimbler, helping me at the plate with a good offensive approach,” Bass said.

Bass said he wishes that the team could have seen more home games this season, but all the snow Vermont saw this spring wouldn’t allow that to happen.

Castleton hopes their Ozzie Smith like shortstop will return to C-Rock next year, but because of his standout play, division I and II teams have begun to take notice.

Bass declined to make any comments on whether he’s packing up or sticking it out at CSC.

“Nothing is going to be handed to us or the team, but I expect to improve as a player and a student,” said Bass.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous post Letter to Editor:
Next post Average Jo