College Baseball Freshmen Shine on the Field: Menzel and Bardi Make Their Mark for Maine
ORONO, ME — Freshmen Evan Menzel and Aidan Bardi are redefining the expectations of first-year players at the University of Maine as they take significant roles on one of the top teams in the America East conference.
Menzel, a freshman infielder, is batting an impressive .366 with 16 RBIs, while catcher and outfielder Bardi holds a .338 average with 11 RBIs. With both players featuring on-base percentages exceeding .400, their swift transition from high school to collegiate baseball should be noted—especially considering they were contemplating prom just a year ago.
“It’s been awesome,” Menzel remarked. “College baseball feels more like a family than a team.” Bardi echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the mentorship provided by veteran players, which has enriched his experience.
Head coach Nick Derba praised their early contributions, pointing out that success at this level is hard-earned: “If you’re in that lineup, it’s because you earned it,” he said. Despite initial hurdles—Bardi not traveling for the opening weekend and Menzel only joining the lineup later in the season—both have quickly proven their capability on the field.
The pair’s confidence has not only bolstered their performance but has also inspired upperclassmen. Junior catcher Dean O’Neill expressed admiration for their rapid development, stating, “It’s been really impressive to watch these guys grow in just a few months.”
This weekend, Maine will host Binghamton for their final conference series of the regular season, with first pitch scheduled for Friday at 3 PM. As the team looks ahead, the impact of Menzel and Bardi may prove crucial in their pursuit of a successful season.
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