LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — There were a lot of unknowns for the Lafayette Jeff baseball program heading into the 2020 campaign. After consecutive losing seasons in 2018 and 2019, Jeff was scheduled to play every one of their games on the road because of the construction of the new Loeb Stadium.
Head coach Scott McTagertt was optimistic about this spring because of five guys in particular. The Lafayette Jeff roster included five seniors in the class of 2020.
Marquis Munoz is the school's all-time leading rusher on the football field, and he's also a three year letter winner on the baseball diamond. Munoz played primarily in the outfield. He plans to walk-on with the Purdue football program in the fall.
Christian Maggio was a three year starter for the Bronchos. Maggio played first base, pitched, and also served as a designated hitter during his time with the Bronchos. He will attend Purdue in the fall on a full academic scholarship in the engineering department.
Logan Vandeveer was a two year letter winner for the Bronchos.
Will Alderson was a two year starter. He played second base and will attend Harper College to continue his baseball and academic careers.
Jacob Walker is the final senior on the Bronchos roster. Walker played short stop for McTagertt and batted lead-off in the lineup. Walker will attend Lakeland Community College to continue his academic and baseball careers.
Coach McTagertt said what he will miss most isn't the winning or losing, but the experience he had with his players in practice and behind the scenes.
"They just had so much fun. I mean they were a fun group to be around," said McTagertt.
"We would have great conversations. When you get through four years, it's almost like they are your own children after a while. It's fun to see them again and talk with them and you know, we are going to miss out on great conversations on the bus and all those types of things."