Senior Send-Off

Image courtesy of Kodiak Creative

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- The Illinois Wesleyan Titans men’s baseball team have gone on quite the journey throughout the season, starting 0-4 before winning five straight, and now they sit at a 15-15 overall record. 

“Early in the year, it’s more about knocking the rust off from the winter and getting into game shape, and now we’re just trying to finetune some things, and really just get ready for conference,” said senior Dominic DeLello. 

“At this point in the season, you got your group of guys you’ll be out there with everyday so we’re just trying to play well down the stretch and find that rhythm we can play with and hopefully go on a run,” added senior Jared Mutter.

DeLello and Mutter both believe that throughout the season, not only has the team grown, but that the pair have grown as players as well. 

“I’ve grown to have a short memory and trying to win each at bat, each play, not dwelling on the past, staying even-keel,” explained DeLello.

“With not too much left in the season, I’m just trying to have fun with it, it’s the last time I’m putting on a uniform to play baseball, so I’m just trying to enjoy every at-bat, every game,” said Mutter. 

As seniors, DeLello and Mutter have a lot of memories, moments and experiences from their time playing baseball at Wesleyan, with a few sticking out for them. 

“Taking two out of three at Washington University and winning that Sunday game was a big step for us, that series was huge for us,” said DiLello. 

“Our Florida trip, our last year down there, our senior class hanging out, was a memorable one and something we won’t take for granted. Definitely a good last spring break trip for us,” said Mutter. 

Titan’s head coach Dennis Martel has also played a hand in helping DiLello and Mutter grow as players and people. 

“I think he’s been huge part in my growth, preaching mental toughness and accountability, really just about taking accountability for what you’re doing on and off the field,” said DiLello.

“As seniors, taking responsibility and we see stuff behind the scenes that he can’t see, when we see stuff and stepping up when he can’t,” said Mutter.

After baseball, DiLello and Mutter don’t have concrete plans but the two are hopeful for the future while focusing on the present.

“Hopefully I’ll find something that works out, start fresh in June after school, but now that we’re done with school, all we gotta do is play baseball and that’s all we’ve got for the next couple of weeks. So I’m going to take time to enjoy that, “ said Mutter.

“I’m just trying to enjoy the month, and honestly I love baseball, so I would love to stay in the game and anything with baseball would be awesome, “ said DiLello. 

The Titans close out their season May 7 against North Park at home before competing in the CCIW Tournament on May 11.