Note: In anticipation of Skidmore's virtual Commencement ceremony on May 30, there will be a team-by-team salute to senior athletes of the Class of 2020. This is the 14th of 19 presentations prepared with head coach input. Next up: men's and women's tennis (May 28).
Congratulations to Skidmore baseball's eight seniors.
Tim Allen, from Smithfield, R.I., is a business major who took on the challenge of being a two-sport athlete. Tim is a rare student athlete who literally didn't get a break the entire academic year, going from fall baseball to hockey and then back to baseball. He turned into one of our most reliable relievers over his final three years, pitching in high leverage situations. Highlights include: averaging a strikeout per inning over his career and a 4-1 record with 1 save. He was a Thoroughbred Society Member and Liberty League All-Academic selection. Tim is the son of Karen and Timothy Allen
Matt Chipkin, from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., majored in political science and history. A co-captain, Matt was off to a great start his sophomore year, hitting .343 while leading the team in many offensive categories before a season-ending injury. He bounced back in 2019, leading the team in stolen bases (20) and was second with 12 extra base hits. Matt also hit a dramatic grand slam this year vs. SUNY Canton to help lead the team to victory. He was named to the Liberty League All-Academic Teams in 2019 and 2020. Matt is the son of Megan and Bruce Chipkin
Jay Gamboa, from Portland, Oregon majored in business and was a co-captain. Jay had an outstanding career on the mound for the Thoroughbreds and was one of the Liberty League's top pitchers his final two years. He had a breakout season in 2019, leading the team in just about every pitching category including wins (6) strikeouts (52) and whip (1.09). Jay was well on his way to another outstanding season his senior year with 23 K's in just 18 innings along with two wins. He was recognized by the Liberty League in 2019, being named a Second Team All-Liberty League and was also a Liberty League All-Academic member in 2019 and 2020. Jay is the son of Kate Dixon and Steven Gamboa.
Jonathan Kaiser, from Armonk, N.Y., is a history major and was one of our top relievers. He was one of the toughest left-handed pitchers in the league, having a breakout season in 2019. He led the team that year in ERA (2.95) and averaged a strikeout per inning. This year Jonathan led the team to its first victory in a three-inning save performance where he dominated Catholic University getting all nine hitters he faced out. Jonathan is the son of Debbie and Allan Kaiser
Justin LaRose, from Mansfield, Mass., is a business major who was a versatile player for the Thoroughbreds. Justin excelled in the infield his first two years before moving to the outfield to become one of our best fielders with a strong arm. Injuries slowed Justin until his senior year where, when healthy, he showed what he could do. He hit .321 this season, including a 5-RBI performance vs. SUNY Canton with a home run. Justin also ran the bases well finishing second on the team with nine steals in 2019. He was recognized as a Liberty League All-Academic team member in 2018, 2019, and 2020. He is the son of Gina and Paul LaRose.
Spencer Meyer, from Concord, Mass., majored in political science and philosophy and was a Thoroughbred Society member. Spencer was one of our weekend starters over the course of his final three years and was a consistent pitcher for the Thoroughbreds. He was second on the team with K's (33) and innings pitched (44) in 2019. Spencer was off to a great start in 2020, tied for the team lead in wins (2) and second in K's as well as innings pitched. He was a member of the Liberty League All-Academic team in 2018,2019, and 2020. Spencer is the son of Laurie Engdahl and Richard Meyer.
Joe Morrissey, from Far Hills, N.J., majored in political science. A relief pitcher for the Thoroughbreds, Joe fought through injuries throughout his career, but never let that stop him from pushing others and being the best leader he could be. Joe had scoreless innings in 2017 vs. Bard, Williams and RIT. In his senior year, he pitched a scoreless inning vs. Catholic University and started the final game of the year vs. Lakeland, throwing a scoreless first inning. He is a Liberty League All-Academic selection. Joe is the son of Wendy Boudreau and Michael Morrissey.
Ryan Strickland, from Marlow, N.H., is a Business major who was a versatile player throughout his career as a four-year starter. Ryan was the consummate team player, constantly shifting positions and doing whatever was needed of him. He was our starting shortstop in 2017 and hit .290, while finishing second on the team in stolen bases. He was off to an outstanding senior year hitting .417 while playing outstanding defense at third. Highlighted by a 4-hit game vs. Hiram University. He is the son of Karin and Timothy Strickland.
