Last night I had an epiphany of some sorts. I never thought I would have an epiphany, but yes last night I had one people. Over the course of the 2009-2010 Siena Men's Basketball season I blogged each Tuesday for the Times Union. I blogged as a former player/current student assistant basketball coach. It was fun. I had some laughs, wrote some decent pieces, and got some nice responses on my insight to the year.
Spring came and went quicker than my first girlfriend and now I find myself for the fifth consecutive year in summer school. Due to a major change and a headache that lasted four months I fell behind a bit, so now I am finishing the job like John McClain in Die Hard (without the guns, and I will be wearing shoes most of the summer). All my classmates are gone and now I find myself living in the dungeon that is the first floor of Hennepin Hall. Too much of my friend’s dismay I have my own room. I have pushed two beds together but only use one of them; who knew that after four years of sleeping in a tiny single bed that once I have the opportunity to use two together I still only use one.
Anyways back to that epiphany; I miss writing and want to do it again. Throughout the summer I will blog about stuff; that's right stuff... Pretty broad topic. For any Siena basketball junkies I will try to bring some firsthand insight to the pickup I see, the weightlifting, conditioning, and typical summer shenanigans with the team. If you want to read about the other stuff that's fine, if not go read a blog about who is dating who in the celebrity world. I'll tell you one thing; you won't find me there because I could give two..... Well I could care less about who the hell Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian are dating all I know is it's not me and that's just fine. So here it goes... This time there is no editor at the Times Union to save my tail.
Over the past few years I've been known on campus as somewhat of a Siena Baseball junkie. You can regularly find me at the games, hanging out in the coach’s office, or just lounging on the couch in townhouse 111 on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon. Anyways the boys had a heartbreaking loss on Friday to Manhattan, a game which a twelve run lead was blown (it stings to say). I can honestly say I now know how Yankees fans felt when the Sox came back from a 0-3 deficit to win the pennant. Not all was lost on my trip to Riverdale; I got tan for the second time in my life, ate some good food, and was challenged to a fight by six Manhattan fans from 50 yards away as I exited Van Cortland park with my small, non confrontational girlfriend.
Had the Saints won that game they would be traveling to Fishkill to compete in the MAAC tournament, an event I was excited to attend. Injuries to a young pitching staff could be to blame, but sometimes things just aren't mean to be, or if you're Manhattan sometimes things just are meant to be. Oh well hearts are broken everyday and life goes on, but let’s recognize three players on this year’s team who will all make a push for the big leagues in the near future.
Anthony Giansanti- Sr. 3B/RF/P- Recently named to the All-MAAC first team for the second straight year at the utility position, Ant did his best to duplicate one of the best junior seasons in Siena baseball history, in which he was selected in the 49th round by the Oakland A's. Clearly the most versatile player in the league over the past two years Ant batted 336, with 25 steals, ten bombs, and had 47 RBI's. He did all this while playing three different positions, and did not give up a run as a closer all year until the final weekend of the season. There's nothing like seeing the right fielder sprint to the mound to close the door. If you're a major league team, you would be smart to take a hard look at this utility man in June.
Kevin Quaranto- Jr. 1B- Q came in as pudgy 1st basemen that did one thing well; hit. Three years later Q can still hit, and at a rapid rate, however his work ethic over the last few years has led most to believe he will not be back Siena next year (officially draft eligible). With a new trim look Q is now more than respectable at first base. He became arguably Siena's biggest threat at the plate this year with a 413 batting average, 12 bombs, 54 RBI's, and set a new single season record with 24 doubles. He also stole some bases this year, something that may have seemed laughable a few years ago. Also a All-MAAC first teamer.
Dan Paolini-So. 2b- You'd be hard pressed to find any college baseball player who has accomplished more in his first two years then Pao has at Siena. Named the MAAC Baseball POY yesterday Pao did more than duplicate his sensational freshman year at Siena (430 BA, ROY). Pao didn't bat 400 but he did bat 368 this year and found ALOT of comfort out of the park with 26 home runs-a new MAAC record. He is also currently tied for the nations lead in home runs. Not draft eligible yet Pao is slated to start in the outfield for the prestigious Chatham A's summer baseball club in the Cape Cod League. If Pao bats anywhere from 250 to 300 he could see his pro stock go from high to REALLY high. A weekend trip to Chatham may be worth seeing this kid play this summer... Plus you may run into Freddie Prince Jr. or Jessica Alba...We can only dream.
Ok people I know this is now MY blog and I don't have a word count anymore. If you didn't fall asleep at your computer I commend you. This blog has had little to do with the title and more about Siena baseball and why I'm doing this blog; boredom and I like to spit out words onto a screen once and a while. Come August I will hopefully have a diploma and then I guess I will be all grown up. For you Siena Basketball lovers I will try and stop by pickup the next two days and write about it. For now I guess I'll have to think of something else to do instead of studying for American History.... I respect History and love America, but there is a lot of it... Wish me luck on my midterm tomorrow.
Today's Endorsement: Come by the Gym Rat Challenge this weekend and shoot the bull with me for a while. I have been hired to evaluate talent and will be doing the coffee and hot dog diet all weekend... Anyways Siena Basketball was given a oral commitment by Robbie Poole this winter and he will be in attendance playing for the Jersey Shore Warriors.
