Photo By Nick Williams, Photography Editor
By Darin Martin
With the start of a new season imminent, the baseball team will be looking to get off to a strong start against tough opposition. The River Hawks will be relying on returning talent, mostly their three All-Landmark selections.
One of those returning players is senior Tony Rossi. Rossi was an ABCA Fourth Team All-American in 2024 after batting .402—the best in the Landmark Conference—along with seven home runs and 17 doubles.
Rossi was named to the D3baseball.com preseason All-America third team, becoming the first River Hawk to earn preseason All-America honors since Zach Leone in 2017.
“It was an honor to be named to those teams and shows all the hard work the team put in, because I wouldn’t be in that situation without them,” Rossi said. “I feel confident in my abilities as well as my team’s. There are many new faces, and I think this group may shock some people.”
Rossi initially transferred to Division I Rutgers but ultimately decided to return to Susquehanna ahead of his senior season.
“Going to Rutgers was definitely a huge opportunity and taught me a lot about myself,” Rossi said. “I had surgery there within the first couple of weeks, and it made the adjustment period a lot tougher. I had to take some time to reflect and realize what was best for me.”
He added, “Coming back couldn’t have made me happier. Seeing all my friends and getting ready for my last season with them really showed me how I valued this university. I am so hyped to be back with the boys. Getting ready for the season has been a lot of fun. Playing my senior year with my best friends will be a blast, and the whole team is looking forward to a memorable year.”
The team’s season will begin with trips to North Carolina and Florida before opening Landmark Conference play at Drew on March 15-16.
“Every game matters to this team,” Rossi said. “We play a tough schedule, and this helps us with the tough conference schedule we have. In our conference, every team is a rival, so all those games mean a little extra. Getting into conference play will be exciting,”
SU was picked to finish four in the conferences’ preseason coaches’ poll, slotting in behind Catholic, Elizabethtown and Scranton. SU received no first-place votes.
Rossi and the rest of the River Hawks will be looking to put their best foot forward and leave it all on the field from the beginning of the season to the end.
Rossi said, “What I’ve learned over the years playing at Susquehanna is that having fun is the key to success. When the group is going good, everyone is smiling and having a good time. I believe that’s how baseball should be played.”