Tufts University - Jumbo Yearbook (Medford, MA)

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Athletics

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- Baseball Despite a somewhat disappointing 7- 12 finish in 1987, the Jumbo baseballers may have received a disguised blessing last season. Tufts showed sporadic flashes of being a member of college baseball’s elite in 1987, defeating such perennial Division III powers as Bran¬ ded, Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown Universities. And, though four year starters Steve Centrella and Mike Alt- chek (Team MVP) were lost to gradu¬ ation, the Jumbos returned six starters from last year’s team. Senior second baseman Roger Grenier captained the squad in his fourth varsity season and junior Dan O’Neill (First Team All - New England) anchored Tufts from his catcher position. Head coach John Ca¬ sey (Class of 1980), along with reputa¬ ble pitching coach David Wilbur and assistant Bill Carroll (Class of 1985), found themselves with a full cast of pitching hopefuls for the 1988 season as well. Senior Pete Beal and sophomore Kerry Callahan (All Greater Boston League) looked to better their successes of 1987, while senior Jeff Bloom, who threw three consecutive no-hitters in 1986, made a comeback from elbow surgery. Casey and the Jumbos also found themselves with a slew of young talent. Sophomores Chris Lamothe and Matt Guanci headed a freshman group of players that exceeded all expectations in 1987, and seemingly left the Jumbos with not only depth at many positions, but a solid foundation for future sea¬ sons as well. The 1988 Tufts schedule, as it is in every season, was a challeng¬ ing one, featuring a variety of Division I schools. But the 1988 Jumbos certainly opened some eyes. -by Roger Grenier 170