Central Penn College Baseball 2023 ESAC Champions
SUMMERDALE, PA, May 16, 2023 – The men's baseball team at Central Penn College (CPC) eked out a hard-fought victory in the Eastern States Athletic Conference (ESAC) championship game Saturday, defeating long-time rival Bucks County Community College with a score of 5-4.
It was sweet vengeance for the Knights, who lost to BCCC last year for the championship.
Central Penn's Head Coach Robert Stern hasn't forgotten the past.
"This win was extra-special because Bucks County is a really good team. They have beaten us seven straight times, including last year's ESAC title game," he recalled.
The victory capped off a record-setting season, with the Knights compiling the most wins in a single season, in school history. The team plays their home games at City Island's FNB Field, home of the Minor League Baseball Team, the Harrisburg Senators, and the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.
"I am extremely proud of our Knights Baseball team," said Athletic Director Kasey Hicks. "They brought our first-ever ESAC Championship home to Central Penn, and that's something our entire community can celebrate! It is something that they worked hard for and something that they will remember for a lifetime. Congratulations to the Knights Baseball team and coaching staff! This is only the beginning!"
Stern said the team won it all because they "just kept grinding."
"There were times when we weren't playing well, but we just kept at it all spring. All week, leading up to the game, we had very good practices," and the players were hell-bent on victory.
After the win, "There were a lot of hugs, tears and yelling from the players," Stern said.
He said his favorite memory of this season is "being with these kids day-in and day-out. We coaches have personal bonds with each and every player."
And from Saturday's championship victory? "My favorite memory was seeing my guys jump all over each other after the last out was made. And then parents coming up to me to say "Congratulations!"