Jan. 26, 2015

EASTON, Pa. - The 2015 Lafayette baseball season unofficially began on Saturday night at the Friends of Lafayette Baseball Fifth Annual Preseason Kickoff Dinner at Marquis Hall.

Attended by players, coaches, families and supporters of the program, the event was headlined by former Major League Baseball player Ben Davis, who saw parts of seven seasons with the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox.

Currently an analyst for Comcast SportsNet's Phillies coverage, Davis entertained the crowd with stories from his playing career, including the time he broke up a Curt Schilling perfect game bid with a bunt single, and what it was like to play alongside greats Tony Gwynn and Ichiro Suzuki. He also offered up lots of advice for the student-athletes.

"Never get too high and never get too low," he said. "This game will put you in your place. If you overthink this game, it can come back and bite you."

Though Davis began his pro playing career right out of high school, he stressed the importance of taking advantage of the opportunity to have a Lafayette degree.

"Being a graduate of Lafayette can open a lot of doors for you later on, so take care of your business now. Be prepared in the classroom and on the field - planning ahead can slow the game, and life, down."

The crowd in attendance was also addressed by head coach Joe Kinney, 2015 captains Tim Lazor and Cory Spera, and Friends of Lafayette Baseball Chair Kevin McKernan.

The Leopards are scheduled to begin play on Feb. 20-22, traveling to Durham, N.C. for a three-game set with North Carolina Central.