Written by James Buce
The Bison baseball team has suited up several new players this season. None are more closely tied together than brothers Patrick and Jason Nappi.
Separated by a little more than a year the brothers grew up playing baseball and have brought their passion for the game to the Bisons. They are hoping those passions will translate into a successful season.
Patrick, the older brother, transferred from the University of Alabama after earning his bachelor’s degree and is currently enrolled in Harding’s MBA program while using his last year of eligibility to play for the Bisons.
“Coach Patrick McGaha, the head baseball coach here at Harding, learned I had an extra year of eligibility from my redshirt year at UA,” Patrick said. “He called me up and asked if I was interested in joining the Bison team and I accepted.”
At 5-feet-11-inches, Patrick brings the experience he gained while playing at Alabama to the Bison pitching staff. He will be a weekend starter for the team.
Jason did not follow his brother to Alabamabut stayed in the SEC and attended Mississippi State University, where he started 53 games as a freshman both in the outfield and as a designated hitter.
The role Jason will be filling on the team has yet to be defined compared to Patrick.
“The position that I will be filling here at Harding is honestly still up in the air a little bit,” Jason said. “I will honestly assume the role of utility player with the Bisons, and simply fill in where our coaches feel it necessary.”
Through a series of events, the brothers were united at Harding and will be able to play one more season together.
“I personally decided to transfer because of the coaching change at Mississippi State,” Jason said.
The brothers recalled playing baseball as long as they could remember, each bringing up experiences playing wiffle ball before they were old enough to play tee ball.
“I have been playing baseball ever since I could hold a bat in my hands,” Patrick said. “I can remember taking cuts at a wiffle ball in my grandfather’s living room at the age of 4 or 5.”
“I vaguely remember hitting wiffle balls in the house with my brother and father long before I was ever eligible for tee ball,” Jason said.
Harding has been a different experience for the Nappi brothers both on and off the field.
“It has honestly been a challenge to adapt to the culture of Harding,” Jason said. “But with my transfer, I feel that I have become a much better person.”
The baseball program at Harding also differs from the larger schools.
“Facilities differ some when comparing the two divisions,” Patrick said. “Harding has a great stadium and the infield is outstanding. However, the Jerry Moore Field does have a few pitfalls, such as the outfield and the lighting system. Division I schools do not have these problems.”
Jason and Patrick each have different plans for their futures, but this season they will play together.
The Nappi brothers bring experience and talent to the Bison baseball team that should bring attention to the program and, along with the other players, lead to an exciting 2010 season.
