MEDIA, PA — The Delaware County Community College (DCCC) Phantoms men’s baseball team kicked off their 2025 campaign with authority, posting an impressive 10-2 victory over Atlantic Cape Community College on February 28. The season opener served as a statement from a team brimming with new talent, veteran leaders, and an indomitable will to compete against a challenging 43-game schedule filled with top-tier National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II and III opponents.
Blending Youth and Experience
Despite being a junior college program, the Phantoms stand out this year with a unique mix of players, including three athletes over the age of 30. This intriguing mix of experience and youthful potential was on full display during their season-opener triumph. Manager Ryan Hunter, in his second year leading the program, has worked tirelessly to assemble a roster reflective of his vision—skillful, balanced, and resilient.
Anchoring the team’s leadership are returning players Benjamin Beasley and Izaah Perocier, both Upper Darby High School alums. Known for their steady presence on the field, they’ve carried the responsibility of guiding a team coming off a transitional period under Coach Hunter. Eric Engesser, last season’s MVP and a Downingtown West graduate, also returns as a critical component of the Phantoms’ lineup. Engesser continues to be a force at the plate, providing much-needed power in the middle of the order.
The roster has also been invigorated with exciting additions such as Kiyon Pinkney, a 2024 graduate of Frederick Douglass High School in Maryland and a former All-Metropolitan Baseball Team award recipient. Pinkney, along with fellow out-of-state signees Landyn Washington (Red Lion Christian Academy) and Jackson Davis (Saint Elizabeth High School), represents the next wave of talent recruited under Hunter’s dedication to elevating the program. These incoming players have all enrolled with big aspirations, eager to inject energy and skill into the Phantoms lineup.
Solid Pitching Foundation
The Phantoms’ pitching rotation, a critical factor in their success, is anchored by second-year standout Hunter Whitten. A West Chester Henderson alum, Whitten was a dependable workhorse in 2024, leading the team in innings pitched and ranking among the top in Region XIX. Joining him in the 2025 rotation will likely be Jackson Davis and Matt Delacruz, a transfer from West Chester University who brings collegiate experience and versatility to the mound.
This season also features several promising first-year pitchers stepping into prominent roles. Newcomers like Brady Kopishke (Lower Dauphin High School) are expected to shine as key relievers, while Jeremy Cronin (Penncrest High School) and Talon Mohl (West Chester East High School) will compete for innings and provide depth to the bullpen.
An Ambitious Road Ahead
The Phantoms face a daunting 43-game schedule that pits them against some of the toughest teams in the NJCAA. This rigorous slate will test every facet of the team—from their seasoned veterans to their fresh recruits. Yet, early indications suggest that the Phantoms are ready for the challenge, buoyed by a win that exemplified their ability to perform under pressure.
Coach Hunter remains optimistic about the evolution of the program, and it’s easy to see why. With a roster that marries potential and experience, the Phantoms have both the talent and the mentality to make some noise this season.
The Road to Greatness
Winning the season opener in convincing fashion sets the tone for what could be a defining year for the DCCC Phantoms. While obstacles lie ahead, including the relentless grind of back-to-back games and facing seasoned opponents, the Phantoms have already shown they’re capable of hitting the ground running. Key performances from players like Engesser, Whitten, and Pinkney will be vital as the team strives to not only meet expectations but exceed them.
The win over Atlantic Cape not only marks a triumphant start to the 2025 campaign but also pours fuel on the already growing optimism for the team’s potential. With each inning played, the Phantoms are shaping a narrative of resilience, camaraderie, and determination.
For fans, the message is clear—this is a team committed to rebuilding pride in DCCC baseball and striving for a successful season. On the back of strong leadership and energized newcomers, the Phantoms are poised to make 2025 a year to remember. The season has only just begun, but the excitement is mounting, and the countdown to the next chapter in their story continues.
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