A lackluster field makes playing home games a rare treat for Knights

Over the past two years the Northern Essex Knights have only played a total of four regular season games on the home field at the campus. Rain in March and April make it tough for the grounds crew to keep the field in playing shape. Always having to rent a field puts stress and pressure on the coach and the athletic director to spend money that they wouldn’t have to if they had a field to handle the conditions of playing in New England. As outfielder Robert Lagasse points out, “Having a field that we could call home would be ideal. Yes it would cost a great deal of money but it would be worth it in the long run and less of a hassle for the team.”

“This field doesn’t have to be anything crazy but just something to help us be able to play more. We would have a lot more fans as well because the games would be right on campus, instead of having people travel which nobody does.” reasons Utilityman Kevin Tatis.  They just want a field to be able to reliably call home, nothing too extravagant.  A new field, even a modest one, would cost a lot of money to not only put in, but also install.

But the team is still holding out hope that an outside force may come into to help, as Southpaw Ronnie Luke argues “Money would be a huge issue but if we could get the city of Haverhill behind this then it could be a real possibility. Some of these private school or D1 school have fields you could only dream of, but to bring one to Haverhill it would be a major attraction.”

A field of that caliber would not only be a boon to the community college, but also the surrounding cities that could possibly also make use of the field.  The change could help the athletes play more as well as persuading a lot more prospective student-athletes to come to this school and play because of this potentially beautiful field. Only time will tell if the team gets their wish.

Team looks forward to 2019 season

District F champions the NECC Knights look to continue their success with this up and coming season. After falling short in the World Series a year ago the Knights are looking for some revenge. The Knights have had very successful teams year after year due to the amount of hard work they put in during the fall season and the winter, training for the spring. They play most of their games right on campus so anybody can come by and watch the boys rip up the dirt. During spring break the Knights will be traveling down to Florida for a week to start off the season.

This is a great opportunity for a program to get a jump start on competition around them due to the cold and snowy conditions in New England. The Knights schedule is posted online for anybody to look up and come see a game. Lots of fans travel to see them play, because of the professionalism that they approach the game with.  Grab some peanuts, water, and your most comfortable folding chair and relax while watching the Knights do their thing.

“We have a really strong returning class coming back from the World Series and a strong incoming class,” said Spencer Balian. “Having some key transfers coming in from other junior colleges and 4 year institutions. I am looking to outperform myself from last season and gain attention from college scouts.”

“I have a pretty good feeling about this year’s team,” said Sulai Guilbault. “We have a solid group of hitters; our defense eats up anything that comes their way. Not to mention our bullpen that consists of about 15 hard working pitchers including myself. I hope to bring home a championship this season before I graduate for NECC this year. We are a great group of athletes with passion and dedication towards the game.” “This year just like any other year the Knights will be a very difficult team to beat,” said Andy Reidy former Knights player

“They are loading from offense to defense, they have no real weakness. While play on the team last year and winning our district and going to the World Series it was an unbelievable experience. I just want all the guys to have the same thrill and success as I did last year. I can’t wait to stop by and catch a couple games this season.” The NECC Knights are ready for a long season and an uphill battle but will anybody stand in their way as they try to repeat for another World Series run?