Mercer Viking’s pitcher Garrison Legros doesn’t back down from a challenge, but the abrupt end to his 2020 baseball season threw him for a loop. Thanks to COVID, he and his team had no trips, no playoffs, and no opportunity to compete in the 2020 championship.
Legros says, “We were really discouraged to find out we weren’t competing that season because we worked really hard. We felt like we were turning a corner as a team. In a sense, it kind of felt like it was snatched from under us.” He added, “You don’t know what you got until it’s gone.”
After taking a moment to process the unorthodox end of the season, he took action.
“We actually ended up forming what we called the ‘Sandlot League’ on Mercer’s field. That was a lot of fun, got a lot of guys together, got us out of the house, you know? Kept us engaged.”
Maintaining their connection despite safety restrictions seemed to help the team make a comeback. As they got back to play in spring of 2021 Legros helped the Vikings turn around a 9-0 deficit in an intense game against Brookdale.
Legros says he put his workout song to “Party in the USA,” and hit a homer that night that ultimately helped The Vikings bring home a win.
Athletic Director John Simone says, “It took quite a bit of work by the staff to set up the safety protocols, scheduling, and procedures in order to return in a safe manner.”
Coach Fred Carella concurs, saying, “The biggest challenge we have faced is learning to live and play in this new environment. There are still some restrictions and protocols in place which can cause frustration.”
Legros looks ahead saying “This is just another obstacle we’re going to have to overcome as a group.”
The season continues through September, finishing on October 30.
