Watch the 2000 Baseball Team's Induction Video Here

The 2000 Suffolk University baseball team enjoyed a record-breaking year – in more ways than one. The Rams’ Field of Dreams season included: an overall record of 38-9 (the most wins in school history), capturing its first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) and ECAC championship, and making its first NCAA appearance.

Solid pitching. Powerful hitting. Stingy defense. The Rams had all the fundamentals of the game covered, in addition to one vitally important element you won’t find in a box score: a winning attitude.

“As a group, this team was extremely competitive; they loved to win and hated to lose,” said head coach Cary McConnell. “They were a great group of kids who knew their roles and were driven to succeed.”

Upon returning from their annual spring trip to Florida with a 5-5 record, the Rams were victorious in 16 of their next 17 games. They won close encounters and blowouts, with each player contributing in a team-oriented fashion.

The pitching staff, led by seniors Max Nunez, Peter Quinn and Jeff Russell, led the nation with a 2.69 ERA. The staff struck out 401 hitters on the season while allowing only 115 walks in 351 innings pitched.

Nunez was named an American Baseball Coaches Association All-American and signed with the Boston Red Sox following the season. He and senior Ryan Pavao set an NCAA record by striking out 25 batters in a 2-1, 12-inning triumph over Norwich in a GNAC tournament semi-final contest.

Designated hitter Joe Duca, only a junior, set a school record with 13 home runs in a season. Duca, Nunez, Quinn, senior second baseman Gabe Soto and junior outfielder Mike Anastasia were named to the 30-man All-New England team.

The Suffolk squad finished the year ranked 18th nationally (high as 13th during the season), and was elected to the GNAC Hall of Fame in 2010.

Team Members:

Michael Anastasia, Eric Correira, Joseph Duca, Tim Fraser, Christian Irizarry, Kevin Kelley, Jared Leach, Bryan McManaway, Nick Melchionna, Mike Monagle, Max Nunez, Ryan Pavao, Adam Pellerin, Craig Pinkham, Peter Quinn, Ryan Racicot, Jeff Russell, Gabe Soto, Bill Waters

Head Coach: Cary McConnell

Assistant Coaches: Jay Parker, Josh Powell