Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Grise’s leadership contributes to success

The last few years have been long and troubling ones for the Pioneers’ baseball program. After stumbling through a 13-26 record last season, they needed to call upon some of their best players in order to turn their fortunes around.Players like team captain Brian Grise.The senior outfielder and elementary education major has played a vital role this year, boasting a.359 batting average and 19 stolen bases. His defensive play has been just as impressive, committing only one error in his 31 games played.”He’s probably the best fielder I’ve ever had. He’s like a major league centerfielder,” right-handed pitcher Eric Peluso said in a phone interview.And as any baseball fan will tell you, a good fielder can become a pitcher’s best friend.Grise truly enjoys his position despite the obstacles of getting praise whenever the team is doing well, while also being the first to be blamed whenever the team’s fortune turns sour”It’s good to have the guys look up to you, on and off the field,” Grise said in a phone interview.Grise’s work does not go unappreciated, as he has earned the respect of his teammates through example.”He leads by example. He shows up every day and gets the job done,” Peluso said.Peluso was not the only one who appreciated all the work that Grise has done with this squad.”He has a great ability to motivate us. How he communicates with the team really makes a difference,” said senior infielder Bryce Pfeuffer in a phone interview.Pfeuffer has been able to play alongside Grise for four years, and he truly admires what he’s been able to do in that time.”It’s been great being able to watch him develop over the past four years,” Pfeuffer said.Grise is a local kid, graduating from Steel Valley high school, so being able to play for Point Park is a dream come true. And he’s made sure to take advantage of every moment.”I don’t have a best memory. I just want to make sure to seize the moment, day by day, game by game, and practice by practice. I don’t want to regret anything,” Grise said.Grise’s leadership and play has helped the Pioneers attain a 25-6 record along with a 6-2 conference record, making them a potential top 25 team. This only provides more motivation for Grise, who would love to go out on a high note after being on a team that finished with at least twice as many loses as wins in his first three years.”I think we have a good opportunity to win the conference and go to regionals,” Grise said. “I would love to go out with a great season.”Grise knows that it’s going to take everyone to make this a possibility.”It’s the freshmen, the sophomores, the juniors, the transfers and the seniors that are making this year possible. We need everyone this year,” Grise said.Grise could potentially help take Point Park to their 11th NAIA World series in his final year. But as he said, it’s going to have to be a team effort.

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