Northeastern baseball has hit the ground running with a 20-8 record this season. Redshirt freshman Will Fosberg and freshman Carter Bentley have helped rebuild the team after a devastating postseason loss last season in the first round, and they’re ready for more.
Northeastern baseball has welcomed 16 new athletes to its roster this year, many of whom have had a significant impact. The team, which went 5-1 in CAA conference play and 19-8 overall last season, has been feeling the effects of these new players. That includes Fosberg, whose 0.994 fielding percentage and 0.239 hitting average makes him a useful player all around, and Bentley, whose 1.000 fielding percentage makes him a skillful outfielder.
Bentley has shown potential in several key games. His best performance this season came March 8 during the series at San Diego State where he recorded a season high in runs scored (two) and RBIs (two) while also hitting a double.
“I would say the coolest moment for me [so far] was when I went in for a pinch hit versus San Diego State while in extra innings,” Bentley said. His first couple at bats were below his standard for himself, Bentley said, but with help from his coach, he ended up helping the team close out the victory.
“Giving us the win like that was sick,” Bentley said.
Defense and consistency have been the key to Bentley’s success so far this season.
“Coaches need to know what they’re getting out of you,” Bentley said. “You can’t have stretches where you’re going four-for-four and then other stretches where you’re going zero-for-10. Consistency is key.”
His perfect fielding percentage with five putouts so far reflects that reliability.
Assistant coach Chris Bosco has noticed Bentley’s significant contributions, particularly in the San Diego State series.
“Bentley made some huge hits and some big contributions in that series. When [Bentley] is able to fit in, he can get the job done,” Bosco said.
Fosberg has been right there with Bentley in terms of team impact. On March 18, during a win against Merrimack College, he had his best hitting performance after three hits, which included two doubles, as well as three RBIs. He also had an excellent showing March 7 at San Diego State with a home run.
“Fosberg has been in a big role for [the Huskies], splitting half the catching time with Greg Bozzo, which is really hard to do as a freshman. He takes a lot of pride in playing good defense, and he’s been playing outstanding defense for us,” Bosco said.
Fosberg emphasized how the large freshman class has created a sense of competition within the team.
“The freshmen want to compete with the older guys and the older guys want to get pushed by the freshman,” Fosberg said. “It brings the best out of each other, and that’s what we want.”
Bentley echoed Fosberg’s sentiment, highlighting the positive team environment.
“Even when we lift or have practice, spirits are high. Everyone’s friendly with each other. We’ve got a good group of new guys along with a stable older group who help [the new players] learn the ropes,” he said.
Transitioning to college baseball comes with challenges; one is the expectation of consistency day in and day out from each and every player.
“If you want to play every day, you have to be reliable. Coach wants someone he can trust,” Bentley said. Younger players lean on upperclassmen for support when first joining the team.
“[The upperclassmen] have been in our shoes before. They know it’s hard, but their guidance helps us as freshmen,” Bentley said.
Bosco believes that guidance from the upperclassmen as well as the competitive spirit of the freshmen will pay dividends for the Huskies.
“We have kids that come in as freshmen and want to compete and work really, really hard. So that when they do get to play … they’ve already worked so hard that the playing part is just fun and easy,” Bosco said.
The hard work has led to some rewarding moments. For Fosberg, his defining moment came in Hawaii.
“My first collegiate hit was a home run in Hawaii. You can’t really ask for a better first hit than that. It was a crazy moment, and it made me realize I belong here and can help the team,” Fosberg said.
Looking ahead, Bentley is excited to see the team reach its full potential.
“We haven’t played to our fullest capability yet, but once the consistency starts clicking, I’m really excited to see how this team plays out,” Bentley said.
Fosberg believes the team’s tough early season schedule will pay off.
“We’ve fought through a lot of adversity, playing tough teams on the west coast. It’s been hard, but we’re going to be better for it in the end. Our best baseball is ahead of us,” Fosberg said.
With a strong team composed of new talent and the guidance of experienced upperclassmen, Northeastern baseball is poised for an exciting season. As Bentley and Fosberg continue to develop, their potential for impact on the team is undebatable, and their growth will be a key factor in the Huskies’ success.
