As a child in Vermont, senior baseball captain Josh Beayon did what many young children do – he played tee ball. Little did he know, that decision would bring him all the way to captaincy in his final year competing as a Keene State Owl.
“I just kind of fell in love with it then… hasn’t been a dull moment since,” he said. Beayon’s decorated baseball career began in high school, and he has only continued to thrive in the sport while at Keene State.
According to the Keene State athletics website, in his first and second year, he was named to the Director of Athletics Honor Roll. In his second year, he appeared in all 22 of the Owls’ games that season, making 21 starts, and he was a member of the Little East Conference (LEC) All-Academic Team. As a junior, Beayon appeared in 31 games for the Owls, hit his first two collegiate home runs, and drove in six runs against Plymouth State, making him the first Keene State player to accomplish that in a game since Keene native Nick Vita in 2011.
Sophomore Phil Nichols said that a good captain is someone who leads by example on and off the field.
“Josh without a doubt fits that description. He is someone who shows up every day ready to work and is always looking to better himself along with his teammates,” he said. Nichols added that as long as he has competed alongside Beayon, he has seen leadership qualities grow within him.
“For the two years I have known Josh, I have learned that, regardless the situation, in or practice he always keeps composure and is ready to compete day in and day out,” he said.
Beayon said, “I also want to be somebody that the younger guys can go to for anything and trust that I’ll be there for them.”
Regarding how successful Nichols hopes the upcoming season will be, he said, “By the end of the season, I hope our growth is shown through success in the win column. Our success will reflect team chemistry, maturity, and response to adversity.”
Head baseball coach Justin Blood also noted the leadership qualities he sees within Beayon. He said a good captain “can be trusted and counted on,” and Beayon “definitely” fits that description.
“He quietly sets a great example of how one should show up to work, support teammates and represent our program,” Blood stated. Blood said he hopes team morale will stay strong during competition season. “I hope we can find the right roles for our studentathletes to be successful…Help them build the confidence they need to make the LEC tournament.”
Piper Pavelich can be contacted
at ppavelich@kscequinox.com
