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New York Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
How Columbia baseball saved its season to make NCAA tournament again
Columbia couldn't have scripted a worse start to its baseball season. Three key players — top starting pitcher Andy Leon, top reliever Will Parkinson and starting third baseman Eric Jeon — were lost to season-ending injuries. The Lions then proceeded to lose their next 10 games after opening the year with a win at Kennesaw State. Advertisement Head coach Brett Boretti's message to his team was simple: Our expectations are the same. Winning big is still the plan. He didn't waver. 3 Columbia coach Brett Borett and his players celebrate after their win over Harvard in the Ivy League title game on May 18, 2025. Brian Foley for Foley-Photography Advertisement 'We've to come together here, keep moving forward,' he told them, star junior shortstop and Ivy League Player of the Year Sam Miller recalled. 'This is what we train all year for.' A few months later, Columbia is getting ready for the NCAA Tournament in the Hattiesburg (Miss.) Regional. The lone team to qualify from the area, this will be its seventh appearance on college baseball's biggest stage since Boretti took over two decades ago. Since that losing streak, Columbia has won 28 of 35 games. Advertisement Jagger Edwards replaced Leon as a weekend starter, while Griffin Palfrey took over at the hot corner. The Lions are experienced, led by 11 seniors, and finished first in the Ivy League in home runs, runs scored, slugging percentage, doubles and batting average. They mash. Advertisement Miller and senior captain Anton Lazits credited Boretti with keeping the team together amid injuries and that early season slide. Lazits described him as a 'leader of men,' someone who is able to maximize talent. 'When he speaks, you listen. At the same time, he's very personable,' Lazits said. 'He keeps everybody disciplined, but keeps it loose at the same time.' Said Miller: 'He just knows how to push guys.' Prior to Boretti, 54, taking over at Columbia in 2006, the Lions last reached the tournament in 1976. 3 Columbia shortstop Sam Miller was named the Ivy League's Player of the Year. Columbia Athletics/Stockton Photo He has turned this program into one of the most successful in the Northeast, winning the Ivy League regular-season title eight times. Boretti doesn't like to think of this as his success. Advertisement A successful coach, he noted, is only as effective as his players. He pointed to a number of former assistant coaches who built up Columbia with him, such as current Endicott College head coach Bryan Haley, Minnesota Twins pitching coach Pete Maki, Boston College assistant coach Dan Tischler and San Francisco assistant Erik Supplee. He singled out his entire current staff for continuing the winning tradition. 'I'm good at surrounding myself with people that are a lot smarter than me,' he said jokingly. Advertisement Boretti has had opportunities to look elsewhere. He interviewed for one Power 5 job before — he declined to name the school — but didn't want to uproot his family. Plus, as the saying goes, why mess with happy? At Columbia, he doesn't have to manage Name, Image and Likeness as much as other coaches. 3 Columbia head coach Brett Boretti helped his team turn it around after injuries put his team in an early hole this season. Brian Foley for Foley Photography. Advertisement His players pick Columbia mostly for academics. The Lions are Ivy League contenders every year. 'The type of kid, the type of student-athlete you get, we get very driven guys. We get overachievers,' Boretti said. 'That's what we're looking for: Guys who want to work on the field, work in the classroom, and, frankly, don't give you many headaches off the field. 'It's one of the best things about the job: You get to work with great people, great kids that are going to be great adults. That's something that goes a long way when you're in this position.' Advertisement After reaching the NCAA Tournament in three straight seasons from 2013-15, and advancing to the Coral Gables (Fla.) regional final in 2015, Columbia had established itself. It helped that in 2010 the program received an upgraded facility, Robertson Field at Satow Stadium. 'It built on each other,' Boretti said. 'My former boss, Dianne Murphy, did a heckuva job building our facilities and raising money and getting people involved. That goes a long, long way.' This team has a unique belief in itself, fostered by that difficult start. First came the injuries, then the losing streak. It didn't break the Lions. As the tournament begins, few teams in the country are as hot. Columbia has won nine straight games and 16 of 17. It will be a decided underdog Friday night against host and No. 16 seed Southern Miss, and not be expected to beat the following opponent, either Miami or Alabama. But the Lions and their 11 seniors believe they can play with anyone. They've been here before. 'We're a very confident group. We know the talent we have and we know what kind of baseball we can play with each other,' Lazits said. 'If we go out there and play as well as we can, we can beat just about anybody.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Don't write St Johnstone off just yet'
As Lenny Kravitz's hit song It Ain't Over Til It's Over played loudly at the end of St Johnstone's win against Ross County on Saturday, it struck me – for perhaps the first time this year – that maybe there's still a chance of top-flight survival. It was genuinely encouraging to witness the collective spirit between the players and the fans regarding the team's current situation. It seems like everyone is finally on the same page. Hopefully, this unified effort won't be too late to make a difference. The match was nerve-wracking, especially with County's disallowed goal. Perhaps that was the bit of luck that teams often feel they are missing. However, this feels like just the initial step. The team still needs two wins in the remaining two games, along with a couple of County slip-ups. While the outcome remains uncertain, history suggests that betting against St Johnstone isn't necessarily a wise choice. Sam Miller can be found at Dogger Saints.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Don't write St Johnstone off just yet'
As Lenny Kravitz's hit song It Ain't Over Til It's Over played loudly at the end of St Johnstone's win against Ross County on Saturday, it struck me – for perhaps the first time this year – that maybe there's still a chance of top-flight was genuinely encouraging to witness the collective spirit between the players and the fans regarding the team's current situation. It seems like everyone is finally on the same page. Hopefully, this unified effort won't be too late to make a match was nerve-wracking, especially with County's disallowed goal. Perhaps that was the bit of luck that teams often feel they are this feels like just the initial step. The team still needs two wins in the remaining two games, along with a couple of County slip-ups. While the outcome remains uncertain, history suggests that betting against St Johnstone isn't necessarily a wise Miller can be found at Dogger Saints., external
BBC News
06-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
St Johnstone fan voice: 'If players can't find motivation, they don't deserve to be here'
The phrase 'must win' has been used quite a bit around McDiarmid Park since January and, unfortunately, those matches haven't gone our way. However, we're not out of the running yet. This Saturday's game is undeniably critical. Whether you call it a 'must win' or a 'six- pointer', beating Ross County will close the gap to just three points with two matches remaining. It won't be an easy task. Our performance in last weekend's loss to Kilmarnock, another game framed as 'must win', was concerning. It looked as though a majority of players lacked fight and already had their minds on the off-season, which is worrying for both the fans and management. Adding to our challenges, we've had significant changes in defence. The departures of Jack Sanders and Kyle Cameron in January were followed by injuries to their replacements, Bozo Mikulic and Zach Mitchell, who had been performing well above standard. This has left us with a patched-up defence - a large contributor to our downfall. The situation for Saturday is clear: win, or face relegation. If the players cannot find the motivation for this game, then they are not the type I want around my club for next season. Sam Miller can be found at Dogger Saints, external
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB Fan Critically Injured After Fall at Pittsburgh Pirates Game
Originally appeared on E! Online One fan's evening took a terrifying turn. During the April 30 MLB game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs, a man fell around 20 feet from the stands and onto the field at PNC Park during the seventh inning. Advertisement The man could be seen flipping over as he fell before landing on the warning track area of right field, temporarily halting the game. According to a statement from the Pirates, Pittsburgh EMS as well as personnel from both the Pirates and Cubs 'responded immediately and administered care.' The organization also confirmed the man was transported to Allegheny General Hospital but noted no further information is available at this time. The team added it its message, which was also reposted by the Cubs' account, 'Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.' A spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Safety said, per NBC News, the fan was in critical condition. The organization also confirmed to the outlet that detectives from the Pittsburgh Police Violent Crime Unit are investigating. Advertisement More from E! Online According to NBC News, eyewitness to the fall Sam Miller told the outlet, "It was quick. I couldn't tell if he jumped or fell.' Miller also reported that first responders strapped the man to a stretcher, immobilizing him.A number of players appeared visibly shaken as they watched the events unfold, including the Pirates' outfielder and designated hitter Andrew McCutchen, who could be seen covering his mouth in shock after taking a knee. The 38-year-old later shared his reaction on social media. 'Truly hate what happened tonight,' McCutchen wrote on X, formerly Twitter, following the game. 'Cant[sic] help but think about that guy, his family and friends. I pray tonight for him. Let us think about his loved ones and hug our families a little tighter tonight. I hope he pulls thru. May God Bless you all.'Pirates Manager Derek Shelton also addressed the incident at a post-game conference. Advertisement 'Before we start, I just want to offer thoughts and prayers with the incident that happened earlier in the game,' he said, per WPXI, 'and thank both our medical staff, the Cubs medical staff, EMS, everybody that got to the gentleman and ask that everybody keep them in your prayers.' (E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
