By Rachael Cataldo, Asst. Sports Editor
Senior pitcher Sean Rodriguez always had a “passion” for sports, specifically baseball. Rodriguez began playing tee-ball when he was four years old and worked his way up to eventually be named First Team All-Conference during his junior and senior year of high school. His primary position was center field and pitching was his secondary.
His collegiate career wasn’t easy; It seemed like the Nutley, N.J. native was getting hit with injuries left and right.
“I’ve always had shoulder problems throughout high school, and I was never really properly taught how to warm up in baseball,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez came to Susquehanna with tendonitis in his shoulder. Just when his shoulder pain seemed to go away, however, he suffered a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow during his sophomore season. The last time Rodriguez stepped on the mound was April 21, 2018 in a loss against Alvernia.
“Sean is one of our best arms, so it was tough losing him,” teammate Brendan Damiano said. “We were able to adjust the rotation and adjust to not having him, but it was definitely a setback.”
Over winter break, Rodriguez did plenty of exercising and rehabilitation to prepare himself for this spring’s season. Susquehanna won the Landmark Conference Championship in 2016 and fell short of the title in 2017.
During the 2017 season, Rodriguez started seven games and appeared in 11 for Susquehanna. He recorded 26 strikeouts, a 5-2 record for the season, and carried a 2.75 ERA.
“Last year, we actually had a few injuries that kind of hurt us,” Rodriguez said. “We were a young team. I think we had about 26 freshmen and sophomores; we only had four seniors.”
Looking ahead to this season, the team’s dynamic has changed, according to Rodriguez. The team has “good chemistry” among players and coaches.
Rodriguez said there was “no better feeling than getting ready in the locker room before the game with his teammates” or coming together on the mound in the center of the field after a big win or a tough loss.
“That feeling never gets old,” Rodriguez said.
“I have high hopes for this team, as long as we stay healthy, I think we’ll be able to do some damage in the conference,” Rodriguez said.
Recently, Rodriguez made the decision to utilize his extra year of eligibility, as he was a redshirt freshman. Rodriguez is also one of the team’s captains.
“It was very up in the air. I worked out a lot this winter to see if I would be able to come back,” Rodriguez said. “So far, I feel strong and healthy. It’s my last year ever to play baseball; my thought process was ‘I have my whole life to work so I might as well give it a try.’”
“As a team, we were all very happy with his decision to stay another year,” Damiano said.
“Not only is he effective on the mount, but he’s also a leader for our team so it’s great that we will have him back for another year. We need that type of person on our team.”
Rodriguez said he was grateful for his family’s support throughout the years by taking him to baseball camps, multiple college recruit visits, and traveling to see his games.
Back in New Jersey, Rodriguez lives with his mother, Michelle, and his step father, Johnny. He is the youngest of three siblings. He has an older sister, Amanda and
an older brother, Nick.
Rodriguez’s brother always played football and lacrosse. While Rodriguez grew up playing basketball and baseball.
“He’s was just a huge kid and I’ve always been tall and skinny,” Rodriguez said.
Coming to Susquehanna, Rodriguez knew of the successful program led by head coach and Susquehanna graduate Denny Bowers. Susquehanna won the Landmark Conference in 2014, the season before Rodriguez visited campus.
“Talking to Coach Bowers, he really showed that I would be part of the team and have a spot,” Rodriguez said.
“When I came for my visit, it was during the alumni game and the whole pitching staff actually took me on a visit,” Rodriguez said. “So I just felt super welcomed right away and the campus is obviously gorgeous.”
Rodriguez is a sports media major and hopes to continue his passion for sports in the video production industry.