The 2024 DC varsity boys baseball season was most definitely an intriguing season of ups and downs. Despite a slow start of low quality play, the Knights eventually turned it around to end the season with an 11-8 overall record, including an impressive 11-2 league record.

Beginning with a 1-4 start to the season, things were not looking promising. “I wasn't thrilled with how we were playing,” head coach Jeff (Wiz) Wisnewski admits. “I knew we were better than what we were showing at the time.” Fortunately, the team turned it around soon afterwards. A 1-4 record quickly turned into an 8-3 stretch over ten games, full of solid fundamental baseball.

Despite an 11-2 BAL league record, the Knights suffered decisive losses to strong league rivals. One defeat occurred at the hands of Dock Mennonite Academy, no doubt one of the greatest competitions to DC baseball right now, who bested DC, 8-1, while the other loss was to Faith Christian Academy, a major rival to DC athletics as a whole, dominating DC 15-2.

As the regular season came to an end, awards were presented to the best performers on the team. Senior second baseman Jackson Lewis appropriately earned the Most Improved Player Award, not only raising his batting average from .279 to .400 but also improving in almost every other statistic from last year. Moreover, he led the team in hits, doubles, batting average, OPS, and slugging percentage.

Significantly, freshman shortstop Matteo DeBellis earned the Most Valuable Player Award, ranking in the top three in almost every statistical category. Matteo was also the only Knight to hit a home run this season. “Matteo has been an outstanding all-around player for the team this year who has helped the team in all aspects of the game,” comments Coach Wisnewski. “Most importantly, Matteo is a team player who always gives his best effort.  As best as I can recall, we have not had a freshman have such a large impact on the team since 2007.” Furthermore, Matteo, Jackson, and junior Sam Dixon earned All-BAL First Team honors with their incredible performances and contributions to the team.

With the regular season completed, DC’s varsity baseball squad qualified for the  PIAA District I playoffs. In the first round, DC faced off against Dock in an incredibly suspenseful game. Up to the 5th inning, DC led the Pioneers 9-3, until Dock rallied in the 6th to make the score 9-7. In the bottom of the 7th, leading just 9-8 and facing a bases-loaded jam, Matteo DeBellis finished what junior pitcher Porter Roberts started by closing out the game and capturing the save. Unfortunately, DC fell to Faith Christian Academy in the district final, 11-4.

Next season, DC’s baseball program will lose four well-rounded seniors, which will definitely create a gap that is difficult to replace. Fortunately, not only will there be many highly skilled upperclassmen returning next year, but the current freshman class is prepared to contribute significantly for the next few years. As Coach Wisnewski states, “The freshmen have made a large impact on the program this year. As a group, they are talented, hard-working, and baseball savvy. I am looking forward to seeing how they will continue to progress as players and people in the years ahead.”