Batswomen Look to the Future

The 1985 Harvard softball team was headed for success right from the start.

The squad journeyed to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for spring training, a first for the batswomen. After breaking out to a 5-0 start, the Crimson kept up the pace over the course of the crammed season (25 games in 32 days) to finish 17-8, a new season-high for victories.

"I think we got the best of the breaks over the season, made our own breaks, came from behind," Harvard Coach John Wentzell said. "The spring trip sort of started us on our way. Mix that with the freshman talent, the leadership of Joan [Cunningham] and Ann [Wilson]..."

And you've got the most successful Crimson squad in the five-year history of the softball program, a squad whose statistical pace-setters will still be around for the next couple of seasons.

The batswomen boasted the hottest pair of rookies to hit the Boston area since Fred Lynn and Jim Rice stormed the Red Son a decade ago--the double play combination of second baseman Mary Baldauf and shortstop Sharon Hayers.

Baldauf led the squad in several offensive departments. Her 476 batting average, .533 on-base percentage, 25 runs scored, four doubles, and six home runs were all team highs.

Baldauf alone had 11 extra-base hits this year (four doubles, one triple, and six home runs). Last year's club had a combined season total of 15 (13, one, and one).

The young blood on the Crimson-Baldauf was one of three freshman starters--helped rejuvenate the team bats, as the entire squad went on a slugging spree. This year's Harvard extra-base hit totals read 14 doubles, 11 triples, and 11 round-trippers.

Baldauf's fielding partner, players, Hayes, had quite a year at the plate, as well.

The powerful shortstop led Harvard in triples with four, and in walks with 15. Furthermore, Hayes ranked second in runs (18), doubles (3). RBI (16), Home runs (2), and onbase percentage (.424).

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With so many players returning-only Co-Captains Cunningham and Wilson are seniors-the '86 batswomen promise to repeat this season's success.

"I'm looking forward to next year already." Wentzell said.

Other freshmen who will have a season's worth of experience under their belts include Hanya Bluestone, Kristin Abely, and Cari Lyn Beck.

Bluestone, a speedy center fielder, scored 18 runs on the year, batting mainly in the leadoff position. Abely, goalie for the field hockey squad in the fall saw action in 19 contests, primarily as a pinch-hitter.

Beck another two-sport athlete-she plays defense on the plays defense on the women soccer team--only came to the players 11 times. But in those appearances she drew four free passes and six hits. That translates than, 8-7 batting average, and a .909 on-base percentage.

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Lead ship in '86 should come form this year's strong crop of sophomores and juniors.

Cateher Gia Barresi provided expert guidance both behind the plate and at the plate. Defensively, she was a stabilizing element for pitchers Gerri Rubin and James Dickerman.

Offensively, Barrel posted the second-highest batting average, hitting .341. She, too, scored 18 times while batting in the number-three spot.

First baseman Trisha Brown was the Crimson's RBI leader, with 20 ribbies. Third baseman Lisa Rowning chipped in with 10 RBI while handling the hot corner flawlessly.

Mary MacKinnon, in left, was the outfield's defensive standout, sporting a strong and accurate arm. And Mary Paul demonstrated a Pete Rose-like ability to play a variety of positions--hustling all the way.

Harvard can also look forward to the return--for the third consecutive year--of the pitching due of Rubin and Dickerman.

Rubin, a junior fireballer, posted an 11-3 record, while sophomore southpaw Dickerman finished 6-5.

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Despite the auspicious signs for the future, the Crimson will feel the absence of its co-captains. Although both saw but limited action through much of the year--Cunningham because of a shoulder injury. Wilson because of a knee injury--they nevertheless contributed both on and off the held.

Cunningham, last year's first baseman but unable to throw this year, only saw pinch hitting action. She demonstrated a discriminating eye at the plate, walking 11 times and compiling a .341 on-base percentage.

Wilson worked her way back to last year's form, when she was an All-Ivy selection in right field. After sitting out much of the year, she started in right in eight of Harvard's last nine contests.

Furthermore, as Crimson softball's first four-year players, Cunningham and Dickerman set an example for this year's freshmen.