Monks Post Incredible 32-10 Record in 2005

"The winning ways of a winning coach"
- a profile of Coach Sanborn in the premier issue of SJC Magazine

Saint Joseph's College Baseball produced one of the most successful seasons in school history in 2005. The Monks' latest campaign was highlighted by many individual achievements that contributed to an impressive 32-10 record, the North Atlantic Conference Championship, and St. Joe's first-ever Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference bid.

Saint Joseph's streak started in March at the Clearwater Invitational Tourney in Florida with a double-header sweep of Catholic University on opening day. Those first two wins would prove prophetic as the strong pitching performances of senior lefty Greg Kimball and freshman lefty Charlie Furbush set the tone for the trip. The Monks returned from Florida with a respectable 5-win-4-loss record, looking to hit their stride in the Northeast Region.

Upon their return to New England, the Monks went on a tear, compiling a 27-6 mark in the Northeast, highlighted by winning 17 out of their final 20 games. The streak included a home record of 19-4, conference record of 14-1 and an impressive 8-1 mark on the road. One key victory for the Monks was a 5-3 win over the University of Southern Maine. Sophomore Ben Cutter pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing only 2 earned runs. Charlie Furbush pitched SJC out of a jam in the 8th inning and also contributed with two hits. Mark Clapp provided two key RBIs as St. Joe's defeated the Huskies. Key to the victory were three critical double plays by the infield combination of Mark Clapp (2B) and Brian Schools (SS).

St. Joe's moved on to host the North Atlantic Conference Tournament at Larry Mahaney Diamond. In the opening game, SJC defeated a pesky Castleton State College team 3-2. Greg Kimball pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs to pick up the win. Charlie Furbush provided the save with 1 1/3 innings of shutout baseball. A two-run home run by Derek McIntosh proved to be the key hit as St. Joe's moved into the winners bracket.

Game two of the NAC Tournament pitted the Monks against the hard-hitting Becker College Hawks. This game turned out to be vintage Charlie Furbush as the Saint Joseph's College ace pitched a complete game shutout, striking out 14 and walking 0. In this remarkable performance Furbush threw 84 strikes and only 17 balls! Derek McIntosh once again led the way with three hits and Aaron Cieslak was 2-3 with 2 runs scored.

The Monks were in the driver's seat as they remained the only undefeated team in the tournament.

The North Atlantic Conference Championship Game featured the Monks and rival Husson College. Although Husson struck first, the Monks' Greg Kimball would allow only one run as Saint Joseph's cruised to a 7-1 victory. Kimball pitched 9 innings, striking out 7 and walking only 2 for the complete game victory. The offense was paced by Ben Muniz (2-5, 2 RBI), Luke Enman (2-4) and Jake Rodden (3-4 with 2 RBI). Greg Kimball was named Tournament Most Valuable Player and Jake Rodden and Charlie Furbush were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Saint Joseph's College Baseball moved on to its first ever Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference bid and a first round appearance against Babson College. It was a quick exit from the tournament for St. Joe's, though, as Babson roughed up Monks starter Charlie Furbush for 12 hits and 8 runs en route to a 10-6 victory in which Saint Joseph's stranded 13 runners.

The Monks' 2005 attack was led by senior co-captains Andy Exley (.359, 3 HRs, 36 RBIs) and Greg Kimball (6-2, 3.07). Senior Derek McIntosh had a remarkable season, hitting .453 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI. Senior Aaron Cieslak had a fine senior year hitting .298 with 3 HRs and 27 RBI.

It was undoubtedly pitching that was the key to Saint Joseph's success in 2005. The south paws led the way as senior Greg Kimball (6-2, 3.25), sophomore Ben Cutter (3-1 4.23), freshmen Charlie Furbush (7-1 1.75) and Steve Stout (5-0, 4.13) combined for 21 victories! Freshman Miles Johnson (3-0, 1.62), junior Steve Lambert (3-1, 3.38) and senior Jack Hughes (0-2, 2 saves, 2.04) also made significant contributions.

After pitching came a defense which was led by the strong middle infield combination of sophomore second baseman Mark Clapp and freshman shortstop Brian Schools . This strong tandem helped the Monks turn 31 double plays! With the strong catching corps of Derek McIntosh , Jake Rodden , and Andrew Wood and a solid outfield led by Andy Exley in center field, consistent defensive play was certainly a hallmark of the 2005 Monks.

Several SJC players received recognition for their outstanding play. Derek McIntosh and Charlie Furbush earned First Team All-New England Division III honors and they also received Co-Player of the Year Awards for the North Atlantic Conference. Along with Furbush and McIntosh, Andy Exley and Mark Clapp (.320, 29 RBI) were All-Conference selections. Greg Kimball and Luke Enman (.333, 6 HRs, 29 RBIs) were named Second Team All-Conference. Greg Kimball also picked up his 18th career victory as a pitcher in 2005, ranking him third all time in St. Joe's baseball history. McIntosh, with 17 career home runs, became number five on the all-time home run list.

Head Coach Will Sanborn (313-207-5) picked up career victory 300 on April 19, 2005 over Lyndon State College.