Continuing the family’s legacy
Denise McArthur
May 13, 2010
Filed under Sports, Top Stories
While sports can seem like just extracurricular activity to many, the Smith family considers baseball a part of their family tradition.
Senior varsity baseball catcher Sean Smith’s grandfather, father, and uncle all played baseball at Springfield College in Massachusetts. Not only did all three attend the same college, they were all catchers for the Division III Springfield Pride.
“To me, I see playing baseball at Springfield as one of my family’s great legacies,” Sean said.
Sean was faced with the same decision every senior was faced with: where to go to college. But for him, the right choice was much more obvious. The decision was all his, but he had many opportunities presented to him from both the academic and athletic standpoint.
“Ultimately, Sean found that the campus, Coach Simeone, and the opportunity to carry on the catching legacy were the deciding factors in his desire to play at Springfield. He would have done well wherever he chose, but deep inside I loved his decision to go to SC,” Scott, Sean’s father said.
Although Massachusetts is not very close to home, Sean will be surrounded by his extended family that lives in the New England states.
There must be something spectacular about the school, and especially the baseball program, that keeps bringing players back. The current head coach, Coach Mark Simeone, was a former player who played with Smith’s uncle in the ‘80s.
“Reputation, tradition, and legacy are important to Sean. He is a person of outstanding character,” Coach Simeone said.
Sean sees Springfield as the best fit for him academically and athletically, and Coach Simeone agrees.
“His focus, work ethic, and passion to succeed are all characteristics that will allow Sean to continue to excel both as a student and baseball player at the college level,” Simeone said.
All that is left to do now is to wait for August to roll around and keep the family legacy going.
“We will have fun watching him become the best catcher the Smith’s have sent Springfield’s way,” Scott said.