Juniata Baseball Reflects on Altoona Curve Experience

ALTOONA, Pa. – A National League MVP. A utility player that captivated the country and became a staple in the starting lineup. The outfielders that complete one of the most dominant trios in the league. The ace that fires 100 mph fastballs like it’s nothing. If you’re a baseball fan, you know each of those current Pittsburgh Pirates players, and many more, began their careers with the Altoona Curve. 

Being able to watch the future Major-leaguers at Peoples Natural Gas Field is something fans have always cherished. Now imagine getting the opportunity to play with those guys. 

On Tuesday, April 5, the Juniata baseball team got to do just that.

“The experience reminded me that baseball is meant to be fun,” sophomore third baseman Zach Tobash (Macungie, Pa. / Allentown Central) said. “Being given the opportunity to face professional pitchers in an awesome stadium is something I’ll always remember. It made it even more memorable that I was able to get a hit.” 

Tobash, along with senior first baseman Anthony Lombardo (Altoona, Pa. / Altoona Area), freshman outfielder Devyn Carper (Altoona, Pa. / Altoona Area) and sophomore shortstop Chris Schreder (Lititz, Pa. / Lancaster Catholic) picked up hits against the Curves’ pitching staff. 

“Being able to get a hit off a guy that has a good shot to be in the majors in the next couple of years is awesome,” Schreder said. “What really surprised me was the willingness of the players to talk to us and get to know us. Even though they’re professional athletes, they still care to improve the game of others that might not ever see the field after college ball.” 

Lombardo, an Altoona native, has grown up with a connection to the Curve ballclub, something that helped make his experience even more memorable. 

“I don’t think you have a true appreciation for just how good those players are at the professional level until you step on the field with them,” Lombardo said. “It was a very exciting, humbling experience. It will be one of the most memorable times in my collegiate career.”

Carper, another Altoona guy, led off for the Eagles and got the nerves hit out of him in his first at bat. 

“Our team, as a whole, was nervous to be hitting against professional level pitching,” Carper said. “Considering I was leading off, it was even more nerve racking. I led off the game by getting hit with a 90 mph fastball and scored later that inning by a single up the middle.” 

With critical Landmark Conference games approaching, the once in a lifetime opportunity allowed Juniata to relax, have fun and focus on just playing baseball. 

“We did a good job at focusing and playing up to the level of competition we were against,” Lombardo said. “We need to approach the remainder of the season with the same focus and intensity that we showed today.” 

Tobash echoed Lombardo’s thoughts and noted that the team can grow from the experience. 

“When we play relaxed it makes the game much more fun and improves our results,” Tobash said. “Everybody had a great time and I think the experience will help the team mentality and morale.” 

The reminder to have fun and enjoy the game also stuck with Schreder.

“You always have to respect the game and can’t forget to have fun,” Schreder added. “The (Curve) players made me realize that it’s just a game and even if I’m having a bad day, I should still be out there having fun.” 

Before getting some reps at bat and in the field with the Curve, Juniata had the opportunity to get ground balls alongside the team. 

An unofficial score of 1-0 in favor of the Eagles is something that will stick with the team for years to come.