After missing the entirety of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friends Select Baseball team returned to the diamond this Spring, posting a 2-7 record with a league victory over Academy of the New Church. The team was led by starting pitchers Mark Aaronson ‘21 and Lucas Kim ‘22, as well as a number of younger players.

The team navigated multiple challenges throughout the season. Zion Todd ‘22 and Aidan Dougherty ‘21, who had played significant roles on the 2019 team, both missed the entire season due to injury. Additionally, some players missed time due to COVID-19 quarantines immediately after Spring Break. Mark also missed the final two games of the season with a finger injury sustained during pregame warmups.

Several young players and newcomers provided depth to account for the team’s injury bug. Nick Hurwitz ‘21, a senior with little prior baseball experience, stepped into a major role in the team’s lineup. Scott Aaronson ‘24 and Cole Semel ‘25 also contributed at the plate and on the mound throughout the season. 

Both of the Falcons’ wins included notable highlights. In the 5-1 victory at home against Academy of the New Church, Mark struck out 17 batters and allowed just one hit. According to Dave, Mark likely would have completed the game if his pitch count had not exceeded 100. Campbell and Lucas also contributed to the victory with timely hits. 

Cole also pitched and struck out eight batters in the Falcons’ 15-11 victory against Lincoln Leadership Academy. This time it was Mark who relieved Cole, closing the game with a three out save in addition to his earlier home run at the plate.

Coaches Steve Cramer and Dave Semel both look forward to working with the class of 2022 next season. Between Lucas, Zion, Zachary Levine ‘22, and Stefan Widdicombe ‘22, the incoming senior class could add significant value in both performance and leadership.

Despite the team’s losing record, Dave saw the season as a valuable foundation for next year: “with such a young team we weren’t expected to do much, but we made progress and younger players got valuable varsity experience,” he said. With new incoming freshmen and several juniors making the leap to their senior season, Steve says that “the future looks bright for FSS baseball.”