BRISTOL — The Bristol Eastern Lancers are aiming to turn things around after a tough up and down season last year. The Lancers finished the 2023 campaign 6-14, however, one of the bright lights of the year was two-time All-CCC first baseman and outfielder, Ben D’Amato.
D’Amato believes this season will be different from his junior year.
He said without making any predictions the experience that the team gained from last year should propel them forward and give them some added motivation.
“I think it just got us ready for the future,” D’Amato said. “We didn't have the season that we wanted, but it gave guys experiences who are going to be a big part of our team this year and it got us ready. I think this year we're going to be more experienced and ready for the season and know what to expect. So I think we're going to see better outcomes this year.”
D’Amato added part of the tough season came down to simply the quality of teams that the Lancers played last year. He said it was a tough schedule and as hard as they work each day it just didn’t come together.
However, outside of the lessons learned from last year that season is over and it’s time to turn the page.
“I think we have a lot of good veteran kids coming back this year and we have some younger kids who are going to make a big impact for us this year,” he said. “So I think if we're just working hard every day in practice and getting better, then we're going to see success during the season.”
The Lancers will be returning seniors such as Rio Fernandez, Preston Guarda, Matthew Harkey, Mason Harris, Caleb Molinsky, Brayden and Declan Schenck and Grabriel White.
“All these guys are big contributions to this team and we're going to need them this year,” D’Amato said.
One area that D’Amato wants to focus on this season is leadership. He said regardless of his status as a two-time All-CCC player it comes down to just being a good teammate and wanting to leave a good example for the younger players.
He said that role becomes easier when he’s a part of a good senior group.
“I definitely want to lead this team because I know what we're capable of, but I also have a good group of seniors who are also very good leaders,” D’Amato said. “So I'm counting on everyone to come together this year so we can turn things around.”
Individually, D’Amato hopes to return to the All-CCC list.
“It's always an honor to get that award because of how good the conference is and I do a lot of work all season long,” he said. “I hope the younger guys are watching how I work so that we can have more guys that can get that award this year and help us be successful.”
The Lancers will open their season on Wednesday at New Britain at 3:45 p.m.
