Senior Baseball Players Ready for the Home Stretch

By: Vita Maria Duva
Posted In: News

For two of Salve Regina University’s baseball captains, bringing home a conference championship deems the perfect way to not only bring the season to an end, but to also conclude these soon-to-be college graduates’ careers. Fortunately, such a victory seems to be on the brink for Salve’s true-blue, devoted players.

“There couldn’t be any better ending to my senior year, staying here a little longer than expected, practicing, and enjoying this beautiful weather for a chance in the NCAA Regionals,” said Riley Diaz, senior captain of Miami, Fla. This spring season, Diaz is keeping his chin up, both on and off the playing field.

Throughout his four years at Salve, Diaz has made a full commitment to the baseball team, but has never faltered in his first priority, edification. “Whether its playing independent ball or hearing my name called in June, even if it doesn’t come through for me, I will have my education,” Diaz said. “Whether or not I make it to the next level, I know that my parents are going to be proud to see me graduate.”

Playing baseball started at the age of five for Diaz. Yet, he never clogged. “It’s been almost like a religion in my family to play the game,” Diaz said. “I love the game and most of all, I respect the game.” Diaz quickly started off his high school career in baseball. Attending Gulliver Prep, he made the varsity team sophomore year. During his senior year, Gulliver Prep gained the chance to advance to a state tournament, ultimately prevailing forward and finally winning; Diaz helped to bring home a state title.

When asked what his motivation has been throughout the years, Diaz said, “My dad always said, ‘There’s always someone out there working harder than you.'” His father’s words have stuck with Diaz. He learned to embody the art of a true competitor, putting forth his best efforts in baseball ever since he can remember.

As for senior captain Jay Nelson, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., he values the camaraderie of Salve baseball. “I could not see these guys for twenty years and we could still get together and I doubt the laughs would stop,” Nelson said. “There is a closeness amongst these guys that I don’t see other places.”

At age four, Nelson began playing t-ball at a local YMCA in Phoenix. In high school, he tore his ACL, allowing him to only play first base his first two years. Nelson didn’t fully recover until his junior year. In Nelson’s senior year of high school, he was selected as one out of 50 to play in The Arizona Super 50 Game held at Chase Field. This exact field is also the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks which made for a memorable experience.

When the time came, Nelson originally planned to play in college for the University of La Verne, located in Southern California, even after being contacted by Salve’s head coach, Steve Cirella. But, his plans took a total 360 degree change when Salve offered him a better deal for financial aid. Since then, Nelson has been active on the team since his freshman year.

“First coming to Salve, I was kind of overwhelmed with how talented we were as a team and how much senior leadership we had,” said Diaz who has held a spot on Salve’s team for four consecutive years. “I mean, you could go up and down the line-up, knowing that one through nine of the players were fully capable of getting the job done.”