VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton senior outfielder
Daniel Franchi was done rehabbing a injury and set to rejoin the team as conference play drew near. The most veteran team member with 125 games played as a Bearcat, Franchi and his Bearcats were picked to win the America East in 2020. Then on March 12 everything came to a sudden halt when the NCAA canceled spring championships and the America East and Binghamton followed with a suspension of all athletics activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
Franchi shared his thoughts about the recent events and the tough decisions ahead.
You guys were four weekends into your season and were starting to pick up momentum. You were set to board the bus to Towson on Thursday and then in a flurry of events ... they canceled the series and then the America East, in conjunction with the NCAA ended everything later in the afternoon. Take us through those events from the eyes of a student-athlete. And now three weeks later ... how are you doing?Â
At the time, I was working through an injury and was probably going to be cleared to play that weekend at Towson so it was a bit of a bummer to get canceled. We were very excited to head on down to Maryland to play that series. We were on a bit of a hot streak and we had a good feeling about playing. As for how it felt about getting the news, it really stunk. We kind of had a feeling it was coming from what we were seeing from other conferences around the country posting their plans for the rest of the season on Twitter. Â
There must've been so many moving parts for you (and others) ... thinking about this virus in terms of family, friends, teammates, etc. And then your BU classes and obviously baseball. How were those next few days after the word on March 12 and into the weekend?Â
It didn't feel real. For me personally, it didn't really sink in until I was back home on Long Island when we were supposed to be getting ready to play Penn State.Â
So many things have happened with the baseball program in particular this spring - it must feel like a rollercoaster. First the exciting news of the new stadium complex and thus, your senior year played 100% on the road while construction starts. Then the construction delay meant you would be back on the home field for this season. Then you guys start the season with two tough road series' but start to put it together with five wins in six games. Then the virus outbreak announcement. That's a lot to juggle. How do you wrap your head around all of it?
All the guys in my opinion handled all these changes and ups and downs very well. We are all there for two reasons and those are school and winning baseball games. I think the focus was set on us winning the conference and heading to another NCAA Regional. The most difficult part is the uncertainty of what's to come. We are all living week to week .
From a baseball standpoint, can you share what it feels like to have a season canceled like this? Do you believe this group had a good chance to win the America East championship?Â
I really do. I believe coming off last season and just coming up short, we were determined more than ever to take it home this year. Having the season canceled was truly heartbreaking; however, there is nothing we can do now except train even harder and come back next year better then we were.
What are your initial thoughts about what you will do after this spring and beyond? Are you considering coming back to play next year? What are your personal factors that you and your family are weighing right now?
I would love to come back for a sixth year at Binghamton. it seems like I just can't leave the place and I'm cursed to be stuck there forever! Whether I come back or not is all dependent on how it can work out academically. I am working on all of this with my advisor. But if I can play another year of baseball, then I will do that.Â
Have you been able to talk with other baseball friends, from high school or college ... and is there an even closer bond and camaraderie now with the collective group whose had their seasons taken away?Â
Yes. I have talked to some old friends whom I haven't talked to in years because of this. I believe the baseball community all over the country has grown closer because of the situation we've all been put in. Its hard to believe we are all in this spot. And very difficult for seniors who are uncertain about what the future holds. It does help to know that the baseball community is so tight.
If this happens to be your last go-around with the program ... what thoughts do you have on your time with Binghamton baseball? What will you miss the most? Â
I'm going to miss being with my teammates everyday the most. These guys, just like teams before, have become almost like a second family to me and it will stink if I am unable to finish one last season with them. In addition, after my freshman year, I have always felt this team could make it to the NCAA Regionals again. I would love to see that happen before I leave.
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