As Whitworth’s baseball team approaches the end of the season, injuries have begun to pile up, affecting players across the roster.
“With so many games in a season, it’s normal for guys to get a little banged up here and there,” said outfielder Thomas Bennett. “But we do our best to push through and keep playing,” he added.
Bennet himself has had his share of setbacks. He’s currently injured with a sprained thumb from a diving play in practice and has also dealt with a black eye from a wild pitch.
Despite these challenges, he’s managed to stay positive in his pursuit of playing this season. “Most of my injuries were minor, allowing me to continue playing, even while hurt,” said Bennett.
Bennet explains that across the team, several players are also dealing with injuries. While midseason wear and tear is nothing new in collegiate baseball, how long a player can stick it out depends on the nature of the injury.
“Injuries big and small always have some impact on the progress made in the season,” Bennett acknowledges, “This year, we have a lot of depth in our roster that allows for guys to step up to the plate and perform.”
That depth has helped the Pirates stay competitive, even as lineups shift to accommodate players recovering from injury.
“One thing I love about our team this season is our willingness to lay it all on the line for the team,” Bennett added.
Support from teammates, coaches and trainers has been as important as physical healing to the Pirates’ success this season. According to Bennet, the team culture makes a big difference during tough stretches.
“Every day when a guy shows up on that field and has faced some sort of injury, everyone is curious to see how that guy is feeling,” he noted.
Bennett reflected on a concussion he suffered last year after being struck in the head, “I had a team of supporters — from teammates to coaches, trainers, classmates and even professors. I felt like everyone had my best interest in mind and went out of their way to make sure I was taken care of.”
Behind the scenes, Whitworth athletic training staff plays a critical role in keeping players healthy and getting them back on the field.
“They do a fantastic job working players back into the game as soon as possible,” said Bennet, “during my recovery, my coaches shared patience and compassion as they hoped for the quickest recovery possible.”
As the Pirates roll into the end of their season with the 2025 Northwest Conference tournament title, all eyes will be on how the team holds together for the La Verne Baseball Regionals in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
