Among the flurry of spring sports about to begin competition, the Emerson baseball team is gearing up for a clean slate this year.

Junior infielder Charlie Coors says the offseason has been “pretty solid” for the Lions.

“We’re ramping up pretty fast,” he said. “All of our pitchers are getting ready to go really quickly, and our hitters are looking really competitive. We’re working harder than we’ve ever worked here.”

Head coach Nick Vennochi believes the team has plenty of talent, but winter has made preparation difficult. Instead of typical outdoor practices at the New England Baseball Complex in Northborough, the team has resorted to getting reps at indoor facilities, including the Bobbi Brown & Steven Plofker Gym.

“From a team standpoint, I think we have talent, we look good,” he said. “It’s just hard to gauge it [because] of the weather—which is no one’s fault. It’s just part of the deal up there.”

The Lions are hoping to rebound from a rough 2024 campaign, one that saw them finish with a 6-26 record, including 2-14 in the NEWMAC. Vennochi says last year’s results have been a “massive” motivator for himself, the assistant coaches, and the players.

“From the first spring meeting, all fall, and so far this spring, we’ve really focused on not forgetting what last year was like,” he said. “[We are] using that to make sure we understand what’s at stake and how much of a tough experience that was for us.”

“6-26, that’s not what we’re trying to do,” he continued. “We’re way too talented to be that [way] again, but we have to execute. We have to make it happen. No one’s just going to give us W’s.”

Vennochi added that this year’s group is trying to emulate the 2023 team—the one that finished 17-21 but set program records in wins and defeated MIT and Babson for the first time in team history.

“You gotta tell your coaches, friends, and families, ‘Hey, my team won six games’—that’s something to look back on and feel like I don’t want to be in that position ever again,” Coors said.

If the results weren’t enough, the NEWMAC Preseason Coaches Poll has ranked the Lions at ninth—last place—heading into the year. However, that doesn’t faze the players one bit.

“With the preseason poll, we’re ranked last every year and we’re probably going to be ranked last every year—that’s just the nature of Emerson—but I think it does motivate us,” junior pitcher Huon Fitzpatrick said.

The Lions’ practice regimen, attention to detail, and work ethic are some of the steps taken toward making their playoff dreams a reality, according to Vennochi.

“Everybody came in ready to go this spring, which was great to see,” he added. “Those are the things that are going to allow us to put ourselves in the best position to sneak in there. [The postseason] is the goal—it has to be the goal. We’re talented enough to be in the mix. We have to prove that, but I think we all believe that we are.”

Senior broadcaster Lucas Simms believes this year’s group has plenty of potential, especially with their playoff hopes running rampant.

“There’s a lot of buzz around the team and good energy despite what the rankings say,” Simms said. “You just gotta get in the dance.”

He cites the group’s “energy and brotherhood” as its defining characteristics.

“I’ve never seen a group that’s closer and rallying behind a common goal as much as this team is,” he said. “It’s not a bunch of divas on the field. It’s a bunch of guys who just want to root for each other.”

Coors knows other teams see Emerson as “another hurdle to get over,” but says the Lions hold a scrappy mentality capable of competing in an elite conference. Babson won the NEWMAC championship and Salve Regina—who joined the NEWMAC in 2023—made the Div. III College World Series and is ranked as the no. 2 team in the country.

“We’re in a really good conference, but I think that doesn’t shake who we know we are,” he added.

Fitzpatrick is eyeing a matchup with Salve Regina.

“We played them pretty tough through seven innings last year in a doubleheader,” he said. “I think we have a real chance to upset them, and I think that would be a huge upset from our history and who people think we are.”

Simms cited how the Lions remained competitive in previous duels with those top teams, including the win over Babson two years ago and when they held their own against Wheaton—then ranked no. 15 in the country—the same season.

“Anything can happen,” he said. “If this team stays consistent, I think the sky’s the limit.”

When it comes to what fans can expect this season, Fitzpatrick leaned in with a simple message: playoffs.

“Playoffs is not only a goal but a feasible goal and a goal that’s gonna happen,” Simms added. “You gotta believe that, and it sounds like players and coaches are all bought in—I can promise you your broadcaster is, too.”

Aside from the competitiveness, Vennochi says people can expect a positive mentality from the Lions this year.

“The environment we’re trying to create in the dugout is really important to me this year, and being a supportive place,” he added. “It’s a good mix of young talent and seasoned, experienced [players] that I think is really coming together.”

Coors said fans can expect a “fun little ride,” especially with the group’s large senior class.

“We just want to give those guys one really good shot at going to the playoffs, winning a lot of games, and succeeding both on the field and off the field,” he said. “Making sure we take care of those little things that end up adding up to a larger picture. Our goal has been set—we know we can make the playoffs. Now, [it’s] time to get rid of all the talk and let the play do the work.”

Emerson baseball’s opening day is Thursday, Feb. 27, when they take their home field against New England College at 3:30 p.m.