The NECC Knights baseball team recently held tryouts for the next season.

Tryouts were held at Trinity stadium on Sept 1 at 9 a.m. for infielders and catchers and 10:30 a.m. for outfielders. All positions meet Sept. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity stadium.

Time commitment for the team is up heavy. Between practices and extra work will add up to a total of 40 hours a week. Skills needed are the ability to run, throw and pitch at a high level.

Team sports offers exercise to remain in shape and create friendships.

“That’s one of the best parts of the job to see the friendships born through athletics, blood, sweat and tears. The guys come together that will last a lifetime,” said Baseball Head coach Jeff Mejia.

A tryout does not guarantee a roster spot. The roster size for the team is limited to carrying 34 players at practice and in the spring the roster is trimmed down to 28. Roster cuts are among one of coach Mejia’s most unpleasant parts of the job, he said.

“We try to evaluate every student athlete as thoroughly as we can, but we take it very seriously because we realize if we are cutting a student athlete it may be the last time they ever play. That’s a very difficult part of the job, but a necessary part of the job,” Mejia said.

Every athlete in the previous seasons has brought their own equipment such as baseball gloves and bats, but some equipment can be provided if needed.

What coach Mejia is looking for in his athletes is “to be in good academic standing with the college” and “someone with the skill set good enough to be a good contributor to our baseball program.”

For additional information about baseball at NECC contact Jeff Mejia at jmejia@necc.edu