Hofstra honored after record season

NEW YORK – Hofstra watched batting practice from the field and was honored by the New York Mets in a pregame ceremony at Citi Field on Monday.

Most of the players and the entire coaching staff from Hofstra were recognized before the Mets-Orioles game. The Pride won the Colonial Athletic Association championship and the Los Angeles Regional en route to its first appearance in a super regional. Hofstra finished the season ranked No. 16 in the final NFCA poll, the highest season-ending finish in school history.

Hofstra players and staff had the chance to talk to Mets players and posed for pictures with third baseman David Wright, outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Mike Baxter. Orioles left-handed hitter Nick Johnson also posed for pictures with the team.

Before the ceremonial first pitch, Hofstra posed for a group photo on the field and had the accomplishments from its 42-15 season read over the PA system. Junior Olivia Galati was highlighted after being the first first-team All-American in program history and setting a school mark with a 34-7 record. She lead all Division I pitchers with 17 shutouts and a 0.95 ERA.

The pregame festivities also included Bubba Watson, the 2012 Master’s champion, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and Hall-of-Famer Tom Seaver posing with Johan Santana to commemorate the Mets’ first no-hitter earlier this month. 

“There’s no other experience like this to be on a professional field like this,” senior third baseman Krista Thorn said. “It’s  been an amazing four years and I’m glad to spend some more time with my fellow seniors.”