FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Seniors Brendan Tracy, Aaron Howell, and Jake Salpietro as well as junior Mac Crispino have been chosen to lead the 2016 edition of the Fairfield Stags. The quartet are already invaluable members on the field and will be plugged into the opening day lineup in February. But it is the leadership of the four student-athletes that could be their biggest asset as the Stags try to bounce back this season.
“The coaches feel these captains chosen as leaders for our program are outstanding choices to lead our team into the 2016 season,” Head Coach Bill Currier said. “These four men will support and create a positive image on the team and in the campus community by representing our baseball program and the conduct we believe in as a school, department, and team.”
Tracy led the Stags in several categories last season including average (.287) and runs scored (27). It was a breakout season for the Rumford, R.I., native as he showed more positive signs towards the end of the season. The infielder ended the season on a nine-game hitting streak, batting .406 with nine RBI and seven runs scored during that stretch.
“I'm thrilled with being named a captain for the upcoming season,” Tracy said. “It's great being recognized by the team in this way because we have all put a lot of time into developing as players. Being acknowledged for that effort is a great feeling of accomplishment. I can't wait for the season to start and work towards the MAAC title.”
Howell will be relied on as a vital starting pitcher in the upcoming rotation. Howell saw time as a starter and reliever last season and finished fourth on the team with 28 strikeouts.
“I felt really honored that my teammates nominated me to be one of the leaders of this team,” Howell said. “My goal as captain is to help us win the MAAC Championship this year.”
Salpietro is one of the big bats in the Fairfield lineup after being named a Preseason All-MAAC selection last season. The outfielder led the team with six home runs and scored 22 runs in just 39 games in 2015.
Crispino showed his development especially on the offensive front with a .259 batting average to go along with a team-high 22 walks which combined for a .359 on-base-percentage. He had a stretch where he was one of the hottest hitters in the conference, with seven multi-hit games and a .450 batting average in 11 games.
“It's a great feeling to have especially as a junior to know the guys on the team have your back and think that highly of you,” Crispino said. “I love this team and can't wait to start the spring.”
The new captains will get their first chance to show their leadership on the field on February 26, when the 2016 officially opens up when the Stags play Delaware State.
