Alright, so let’s dive into the world of college baseball, right here in Jacksonville, Florida. Specifically, we’re talking about the JU Dolphins and the UNF Ospreys. Now, in an era where it seems like every college athlete is just one step away from jumping into the transfer portal faster than a cat avoids water, there’s a bunch of seniors on these teams who’ve decided loyalty is still in fashion.
So, here’s the scoop. JU and UNF coaches are really proud of their guys who’ve stuck around instead of chasing bigger, flashier programs. You know, the ones where NIL opportunities compare to walking into a candy store with unlimited credit—especially in other sports like football and basketball. Just a sprinkle of these JU Dolphins and UNF Ospreys are hanging tight, and it’s a commitment to the journey rather than the destination that’s at the heart of it all.
Take Clayton Boroski from UNF, for instance. Man’s got a point when he compares today’s transfer trends to travel ball. Don’t like the coach? See ya later, new jersey, new colors, new opportunity. But for the guys who’ve stuck it out, like Boroski, it’s about something deeper. Ospreys coach Joe Mercadante sums it up best when he talks about how players are always hunting for the best fit, rather than dealing with a little adversity for the sake of growth.
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Over at JU, Blake DeLamielleure’s story is one for the books. This right fielder’s like, “Nah, I’m good right here, thanks.” His freshman-year threads still fit the journey he’s chosen—despite injuries and watching his teammates bounce to powerhouse programs like Florida and Florida State. DeLamielleure isn’t swayed. “This is my home,” he affirms. It’s deeper than sports; it’s a whole vibe.
Both these teams are richer for having these steadfast seniors, like Richard Long spitting fireballs for JU and Drew Leinenbach holding it down outfield-style for UNF. Jacksonville’s chasing glory in the ASUN, riding an eight-game win streak, while UNF has surpassed last season’s victories. Clearly, their loyalty isn’t misplaced.
On the flip side of things, ever wondered how the guys who did chase “greener” pastures are faring? Well, Alex Lodise over at FSU is smashing it out of the park—literally, with a .440 average and a figure near the top in homers and RBIs. His bat is so hot it could spark a barbecue. Not too shabby for a player who took the portal leap.
The coaches at JU and UNF, Hayes and Mercadante, respectively, are taking this whole transfer era in stride. They know it’s the Wild West out there. Instead of getting wrapped up in who might leave for what program, they’re focusing on the culture and environment they’re building—and what makes these schools special. As Hayes aptly puts it, they’re about the relationships, the growth, and the development that each player goes through.
Looking ahead, there’s still a chunk of the season left, and these players seem more focused on the present moment than hypothetical offers hanging out there. Long talks about brotherhood, nailed down trust among teammates, academic growth—basically, he’s living the full college experience package.
And let’s face it, mid-major programs know the game. They’re always up against losing promising athletes to the bigger universities with fatter NIL deals. It’s just the hustle of it all right now. But for these guys at JU and UNF, the jersey on their back isn’t just school spirit—it’s a badge of honor they’ve earned over hard-fought seasons.
So props to Boroski, DeLamielleure, and the rest for staying true to their college baseball roots. That kind of loyalty’s rare nowadays, and it’s worth every cheer from the home crowd. Here’s to the games left to play and the stories still unwritten.
