For the first time in roughly a decade, the N.C. State baseball team has decided to bring back the tradition of selecting captains.  Head coach Elliott Avent asked the team to select two individuals, and redshirt junior pitcher Grant Sasser and junior infielder Andrew Ciencin emerged as the overwhelming favorites to receive the honor.

Sasser was the Pack’s most effective reliever last year, as the southpaw appeared in team high 26 games, five of which he earned the save. Ciencin on the other hand, was a run-producing machine last year as he drove in a team high 77 runs, fifth most all-time in school history.

However, being successful on the field does not necessarily mean someone will be a strong team leader. Some people shy away from the challenge, fearful that more pressure and higher expectations come along with being a captain. But Avent reassured them they had nothing to worry about.

“I told them to ‘just keep doing what you’re doing'” Avent said. “There were no expectations.  It’s what their teammates thought of them because of what they [do] every day.”

Being named a captain is a tremendous honor that both players take pride in. While they both realize this honor says something about them as individuals, they aren’t soaking up the spotlight and want to remain loyal to the team concept.

“I am honored to lead these guys…I am honored to be able to wear that “C” on my jersey,” Sasser said.   “We are labeled as captains, but we have a lot of guys on this team that can lead.”

The two welcomed the role and willingly accepted the honor. They emphasized the importance of being able to look up to older players and learn from them, as both had the chance to do so when they first arrived.

“It started my freshman year, learning from the older guys,” Ciencin said.  “They taught me everything about how to keep a team together and how to play the right way.”

In order for the Pack to experience success on the field, it will have to buy into a team concept.  The team realizes it is a long season and there are a lot of games to be played. Baseball is a game where anything can happen on any given day.  Making sure that the team has a short memory and maintains a positive mental approach day in and day out will be one of the most important jobs for Sasser and Ciencin.

“You might lose four or five games in a row but it’s how we bounce back from that,” Ciencin said.  “[Avent] looks to us to keep the spirits high in the locker room and keeping up the team chemistry.  That will take you further than talent.”

Both players have been able to demonstrate to their teammates that they can rely on them regardless the situation.  Having guys with this kind of positive spirit creates an atmosphere encouraging to everyone, especially those who are new to the program.

“They come out here every day with the right attitude.  They are so close with everybody,” Brett Williams, a junior outfielder and Pitt Community College transfer, said.  “They are great guys who make you feel comfortable.”