SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Springfield High School Athletic Department is pleased to announce that Colby-Sawyer graduate Justin Devoid will take the helm of their baseball program this spring.
Justin was a four-year baseball player at Colby-Sawyer and earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in the spring of 2017.
Justin welcomes the challenge that comes with his first head job, saying, “With my background of playing baseball for 18 years, with four in college, and a year playing after college, I believe not only my skillset, but my knowledge of the game itself provides me ample reason to be successful with the job opportunity.” Devoid went on to say, “I have always loved the game of baseball, and I played with a passion, and I believe that dedication and passion are keys to success.”
Springfield Athletic Director Rich Saypack thinks Devoid will bring a fresh perspective, saying, “It’s a bit of a risk putting a young coach in his first job right at the top, and believe me that weighed on my mind, but after three conversations with Justin and checking into his background, he may bring that fresh air our players need right now.” Saypack adds, “Being a baseball guy myself, I get a good feeling about Justin… he loves the game and I believe he will share that love with his players.”
Early in his junior year at Colby-Sawyer, Devoid suffered an injury that kept his playing time limited to 19 starts, of which he led the team with a .411 batting average and was number two in on base percentage at .484.
In his senior year, he started all 38 Colby-Sawyer games. His .328 batting average was second on the team. He led the team in doubles, total bases, slugging percentage, and finished the year tied for the team-lead in home runs.
After four years at Colby-Sawyer, he leaves behind a .310 batting average and a .991 career fielding percentage, having 767 chances and 703 putouts, ranking second all-time for the Chargers. As a freshman, he didn’t commit a single error in 113 chances at first base.
“I am excited to be able to help these young student-athletes grow and do whatever I can to help them become as successful as they can be,” said Devoid. “Given this opportunity I will also work to not only better the athletes’ experience but also do my best to help the program as a whole.”
Devoid was a Hartford Hurricane in his high school years, playing in the North-South All-Star game his senior year.
The Cosmos are coming off seasons of 4-12 in 2017 and 3-14 in 2018.
Coach Devoid is looking to get out and running as soon as possible, as he plans to head to the school to get to know the current players on the team.
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