Salve Regina Baseball Looks to Improve Record, Team Dynamics

By: Vita Duva
Posted In: Sports

After training in Fort Myers, Fl., Salve Regina University’s baseball team has begun the 2010 season with fierce bats and strong arms. Despite a roster deep in freshmen and sophomores last year, the players returned with more experience and confidence than ever. Now holding a roster of mostly juniors and seniors, this talented group of persevering men is aiming for a more successful year than the last.

“Right now we are seven and five,” said Steve Cirella, the head coach of 11 seasons. “We were one and nine last year when we came out of Florida and I would like to see us improve our inconsistencies, play better baseball. I’m expecting big things. ” With a number of versatile players under its belt, the team’s most prominent, strong suits include pitching and hitting as they recently split with last year’s conference champions.

“[There is] no gaping weakness, but there’s always room for improvement,” said Craig Silva, a junior on the team. “We’re going to be a hard team to beat if we play errorless games.”

Silva’s personal goal as a player, is finishing off his Salve career as an all-time wins leader. “Until Salve, I was used to playing every game and hitting when I wasn’t on the mound, but Coach has made me work on my craft as a pitcher and I have evolved into a much better player because of it,” Silva said.

While the team aims to bring home a conference championship, Cirella knows there is more to baseball than winning. “Ultimately, I hope my players walk away with a positive experience, having learned something,” Cirella said. “When former players come back to visit or even invite you to their wedding, you know you’ve touched their hearts and made an impression. It makes the game worth while.”

A native of Warwick, R.I., Cirella received a scholarship to the University of Massachusetts upon graduating from Bishop Hendrickson High School. Transferring junior year to the University of Rhode Island, he graduated in 1979 with a Physical Education and Health Degree.

Over the next 11 years, Cirella split time at two high schools, teaching, coaching baseball and football and finally, as athletic director, before a major back injury caused him to retire in 1995. “I jumped at the opportunity for assistant baseball coach at Salve because I was sick of being a couch potato,” Cirella said. “The funny thing is, the Newport Bridge cost more than I was getting in my paycheck, but that wasn’t the point. Baseball is something I could never price.” In 2000, Cirella took over as head coach and has continued to instill life lessons into his players.

Trust built within the team has helped them become successful on the field. “I have been on the team since freshman year and since day one I have felt like we are a family,” Silva said. “The veterans look out for the new guys and want to offer their support, simply because we are a team.”