Baseball

Delaware State Senior Spotlight: Chandler Fitzgerald

Where were you when the news dropped about all sports being canceled for the rest of the year?
Well, the night prior we all heard about the NBA season being canceled. Then the next day at practice we got the call from the coach from the team we were supposed to play, that weekend (contest) had canceled on us because of the virus. We also knew we couldn't have fans at our games anymore, so it was a very weird atmosphere. Then maybe a couple hours after practice we got the news from the NCAA. So, we got the news from home, away from one another. So, the worst part about it all is we never got a final game, or able to say bye to one another. Us seniors never got the formal goodbye that we deserved, the lineup at the end of the final game full of hugs and tears never happened.

As one of the seniors on the squad did you address the entire team afterwards?
I mean yes and no. There was always confusion and speculation as there is now about the whole situation. We all weren't positive if we were going to be able to get a redshirt for next year and be able to come back or not. So, to be optimistic I didn't really want to be thinking I might never be on the field again with these guys. So I kind of just said that what we had this year was awesome but we didn't even begin to tap into our potential and just told them that I'm going do whatever's necessary to be back out there again for next year and to take this time for all of us to work on our crafts and not sulk and mope around during these times.

How are you able to keep your head up and train during the shutdown?
We all got news that we are able to get our redshirt. I was having the best season of my career and knowing that just keeps me motivated to know that I can work to get even better than I was. I'm going to use this time to work on getting stronger, more flexible, and work on aspects of my game. We have a really young team and being the only senior out of the pitchers with the most experience I know the guys really look up to me and I know what I do on and off the field matters.

How can this young team still develop despite the season being cut short? And what role do you play in helping them grow as student-athletes? 
Even though the season had barely begun, the young guys still were able to get that much needed experience out on the field and in game situations. Basically, this gave them a head start if they want to use their redshirts. Experience is everything in college because it's such a different ball game than highschool. I really just try to explain to them to take in everything and how quickly this whole thing goes by. To really care about every little thing that you do whether it be in the weight room, getting buckets for practice, keeping the locker room clean and or getting your schoolwork done. We are a very talented young group of guys so there is tons of growing that we can do. We all stay in touch in our group chats and make sure we're keeping that relationship in tact which in my opinion is the most important part of being successful on a sports team.

What do you miss the most with the season being taken away so abruptly?
The guys. I'm with them more than I'm with my family. I mean the amount of memories you make through the season, being on the bus, at team meals, hotel rooms, games and practice you can't replace. So just knowing a whole year of that going to waste really stinks. Definitely miss being with all of them the most for sure.

Does this shutdown in some way help prepare you for life after baseball? 

Well for one it has made me go out and get my masters for next year so I am a full student and able to play next year which I'm hoping will help me for my career. Also using the time to really grow my relationship with God and my family. This time is definitely a humbling experience to realize the little things in life that we all take for granted which I think will make us all better people.

Any concerns about the possibility of not being able to finish your classes this semester?
Fortunately for me no, all of my classes were online prior to all of this happening for me so I did not have to really worry about the transition to online schooling. I do know however that it is concerning for a lot of people including my teammates because it is quite different if you've never had the experience before.

How are you able to stay focused on your studies during such a stressful time?
It's actually difficult because I feel out of school mode. I really have lost the ambition to get my work done. Usually I'm on top of being proactive but I definitely find myself procrastinating now.

With the possibility of not having a traditional graduation, how will you celebrate getting your bachelor's degree?
There really is no plan right now. With not knowing how long this is all going to last we can't really plan anything. It's kind of upsetting.

What have you been doing to pass the time during self-quarantine?
I am actually incredibly bored and going insane. Kind of just on a repeat of working out, eating, playing video games and my guitar and sleeping.

What was your reaction when the news broke, that the NCAA gave all spring athletes an extra semester of eligibility?
Was kind of numb, didn't really know how to react, there's never been anything like this to relate to. So, I had no clue how to feel. especially with all of the confusion and speculation about what the future was going to hold.

You mentioned it earlier but are you fully committed to playing next season?
Oh yeah for sure I can't go out like this. I was so determined this past year for this season to have a great year. So now I'm even more determined to get back out there.

Chandler Fitzgerald was having a breakout senior season, as he settled in as a key relief pitcher and was starting to establish himself as the team's go-to closer. In his five appearances he went 2-0 and getting one save. He pitched 7.1 innings, only allowed eight hits (including three straight appearances of not surrendering a single hit) while striking out three batters.