Freshman shortstop Conor Reynolds is The News-Letter’s Athlete of the Week. He carried a 12-game hit streak into this week, including two three-hit games in the crucial final weekend of the regular season for the Blue Jays that vaulted them into the conference tournament.
On Saturday, the shortstop recorded three hits, two runs and an RBI to spark the Blue Jay victory over Muhlenberg. The next day, Reynolds chipped in another three hits against Dickinson along with a walk and a run. Reynolds brought his season batting average up to a smoldering .357 this week. He hopes to carry the team’s success into the conference tournament this weekend.
The News-Letter: What are some of the keys to your success during this hit streak?
Conor Reynolds: I just did my best to put the ball in play. [Assistant Coach Denny Cox] emphasized that I should try to utilize my speed more by laying down bunts to put pressure on the defense, and that helped me get on base even when I wasn’t swinging the bat very well.
N-L: As a freshman, what are some of the adjustments you’ve had to make to the college game?
CR: Well, obviously moving from high school to college, the competition level is much higher, and we see good pitching every game. The toughest adjustment I’ve had to make from last year is getting accustomed to pitchers with good breaking balls. [Assistant Coach Jonas Fester] has been extremely helpful in working with me on my approach and keeping my weight back in order to put better swings on the ball.
N-L: How do you plan to carry your recent success into the conference tournament?
CR: What I've learned this year is that hitting is all about approach. Going into this weekend, I'm just trying to focus on keeping my head clear in the batter's box and keeping my swing simple and under control.
N-L: With the Hopkins baseball field under construction, how have you balanced the rigors of playing every game on the road and the academic challenges here?
CR: It's definitely been a struggle at times having to play every game on the road, but our team has been adamant from the start of the year about not using that as an excuse for anything. In terms of school work, while a lot of time has been dedicated to games and travelling, many professors are very understanding of our situation and are willing to grant extensions if we are unable to finish an assignment on time.
N-L: You have attained great success as a freshman. What elements of your game do you hope to improve on your next three years here?
CR: Moving forward, I obviously hope to improve in every aspect of my game. I have already seen noticeable improvements in both my hitting and defense since coming here, and I hope to utilize the knowledge of our great coaching staff to continue making strides in the right direction.
Reynolds will look to continue his hitting streak during the Centennial Conference tournament this Friday at Gettysburg. The Jays managed to grab the final spot in the playoffs despite a 9-9 record in the Centennial Conference. The fourth-seeded Jays will battle with top-seeded Gettysburg in the first round of the playoffs. The other two teams in the tournament are second-seeded Haverford and third-seeded Muhlenberg.
