Adam Nussbaum: Take me through a typical in-season day.
Toby Schwartz: I try to wake up early to do some work and then go to class from around 9-3. We normally have lift at three and then practice from 4-7 or 7-10 depending on the day.
AN: What other sports have you played and when?
TS: I played basketball for a year or two but it’s mainly been baseball for my whole life.
AN: When did you start playing baseball?
TS: I got my first wiffle ball bat at age four and it’s been baseball since then.
AN: Who has been the most influential figure throughout your baseball career?
TS: There are always the players that you watch and look up to but the most influential has been my father. He drove me to succeed, get on the field for extra practice and taught me how to work hard. I probably wouldn’t be a Division I player without him.
AN: What was your recruitment process like?
TS: There were huge tournaments the summer after my junior year and that is where the majority of recruitment took place. I actually didn’t get picked up then which took a big hit on me, but then I started emailing some of the Lafayette coaches, who then watched me play and liked what they saw. I was deciding between Lafayette, Davidson and Rutgers. I had a really good official visit with Lafayette. Ultimately, I liked the small school feel and loved the program so that’s how I ended up here.
AN: What changes did the team make over the offseason to prepare for the season?
TS: We’ve had some down years since I’ve been here which is always frustrating. Our captains, seniors Corey Spera and Tim Lazor, have done a great job fostering an environment where excuses are unacceptable. Life is school, family and baseball, and they’ve been a huge presence in the locker room, making sure everyone is focused and prepared. So far the mantra has been “talk is cheap, you have to go back it up.”
AN: How is the team feeling after the recent road trip to South Carolina?
TS: Team morale was pretty low. We were happy to get on the field, because we haven’t been able to do that here. I guess we’re a little disappointed going 1-3 when we know we’re better than that but there is a lot of room for improvement. At the end of the day it was good to get on the field and figure out what adjustments have to be made.
AN: What is the team doing to prepare for the weekend stretch in Delaware?
TS: We’ve had some hitting issues so we need to make changes approaching the plate. We made an adjustment last weekend that lead to back to back to back home runs so we’re working off of that. We’re going to keep making some new changes, like adding new drills and visualizations, and I think we’re going to have a good weekend offensively. Pitching has been strong the past few seasons and we’re looking to continue building.
AN: What are your goals going into your senior season?
TS: Win the Patriot League Championship, have a blast and make our way to the NCAA Regionals. That’s been the goal since day one and would be a great way to go out.
AN: Who on the team deserves a shout-out for their performance thus far?
TS: Campbell Lipe. He actually got hurt this past weekend so we’re praying for a speedy recovery. Steve Cohen, too. He was just named the Patriot League Freshmen of the Week. His first hit was a home run, a great start to his college career.
AN: How does it feel knowing that this is your final season?
TS: It’s really bittersweet. Every Division 1 player has professional aspirations, but sometimes you have to adjust your expectations. It’ll be nice to become better rounded and not just defined by the sport, but it sucks at the same time. I’m sad to see the sports career that I’ve revolved my life around come to an end but I’m excited to see what doors open up after. It’s somewhat a metaphor for life.
AN: What’s your favorite vacation spot?
TS: Santorini, Greece.
AN: What’s your favorite food?
TS: Lobster.
AN: If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?
TS: Cormac McCarthy.
AN: What don’t people know about you?
TS: I have a radio show on WJRH with Ari Kaufman and Ryan Callahan called The South Paws.
