Written by Alex McClain
Harding University first baseman Jason Nappi was named this week’s Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Week on Tuesday.
Nappi transferred to Harding this season after spending two years in playing Division 1 baseball in the Southeastern Conference at Mississippi State University. Nappi cites the changes to the Bulldogs coaching staff as his reason for transferring. The transfer to Harding gave Nappi one last opportunity to play with his older brother, Patrick. Patrick transferred to Harding this season after playing for the University of Alabama.
He says the biggest adjustment to GSC play has been the level of competition.
“The SEC is just full of talent at every position,” he said. “The biggest difference is the quality of pitching we see.”
Nappi set the SEC record for RBIs in a single game in 2008, knocking in 11 runs against the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Last week, Nappi went 12-for-21 with 11 RBIs and plated 10 runs to earn the player of the week distinction, the first Bison to win the award since Justin Cone in 2004.
The Bisons have an overall record of 23-23 on the season, and are 7-10 in GSC play.
With regular season play wrapping up this weekend in a three-game series against Arkansas Tech, Nappi and the other returning players are looking forward to the future.
“Our playoff chances are dim at best. This year wasa year of growth and maturity for a lot of our young players, which will hopefully help us in seasons to come,” Nappi said.
The Bison baseball team has been very inconsistent this season, possibly due to the loss of key players like Adam Darby, Matt Stevens and Ryan Moody. These losses have put the Bisons in a time of transition.
“Although there are differences [from last year’s team], we are, above all, still a team and for that, there is no compensation,” said sophomore pitcher Kyle Cline.
Adding new players like the Nappi brothers have made the transition smoother and a positive team chemistry has remained in tact.
“Our team this year has had some real up and down moments in the conference. Some weekends we’ve come out and played outstanding. Then again, some weekends we haven’t,” Nappi said.
Going into his senior season, Nappi will take on more of a leadership role on the team. He is focusing on improving his personal performance in the field and becoming more mature and consistent at the plate.
Nappi said the coaches have been very active in recruiting young talent to help out next year.
“Hopefully, things will pan out better for us next year,” Nappi said.
The Bisons will conclude the 2010 season with three games against Arkansas Tech University. The two teams will meet Saturday at Jerry Moore Field for a doubleheader beginning at noon. The final game will be Saturday.
