Owen Liscio underwent Tommy John Surgery last year. (Photo Courtesy: Owen Liscio)
Senior Day in college athletics can bring a lot of emotions for student-athletes. Dean College first baseman Owen Liscio was one of the many seniors on their roster that experienced this going into Dean's Senior Day matchup on Saturday, April 22nd against Elms College.
Liscio started playing baseball when he was four years old at the tee-ball level. Liscio first developed an interest in baseball from watching his older brother, Richard Liscio Jr play through high school and being coached by his father, Richard Liscio. “I like going out on a nice sunny day with the smell of fresh-cut grass. I love the game entirely,” Liscio explained.
As a New York Yankees fan, Liscio grew up watching Derek Jeter. “I played infield my entire life, so I try to be like him all the time,” Liscio mentioned. When he was sixteen and seventeen years old, Liscio played second base, as well as shortstop.
Liscio would best describe his playing style in high school as a contact hitter who tried to cut down on strikeouts. He also talked about how he gained more muscle weight during the backend of his high school playing career, which helped him become more of a contact hitter.
When it came time for Liscio to decide where he wanted to play baseball at the collegiate level, Dean College was always his top choice. “The Dean Difference is the place to be. It is a wonderful place and opportunity to grow as a player and student. Ernie May and Coach Jeff Sharnick pushed me to help me grow as a player and love the sport and academics,” Liscio explained. “With Coach May being an adjunct professor and the baseball coach, I created a good relationship with him,” Liscio continued. Liscio also talked about how the academics and sport management program at Dean College played a big part in his decision.
“Owen has been a consummate teammate and it’s been an honor to coach him. He has overcome a major injury all while working to complete his degree in three years while here at Dean,” Coach May explained.
When Liscio arrived at Dean College, he started playing third base, which is where he enjoyed playing since he had a strong arm. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery last year, which led to him being moved to first base this season. Liscio now prefers being at first base since he does not have to do as much other than fielding and catching baseballs. He also explained how he does not have to worry about throwing the ball as much anymore.
Senior Day was something Liscio will remember forever. “It was a surreal experience and moment for me especially not having a senior day in high school due to Covid. Knowing how hard I worked and all the obstacles I had to hurdle with my injury it was an emotional day,” Liscio said. Liscio will be graduating from Dean College a year early.“It was a day filled with pride. All the amazing memories from T-ball up until now came to mind and it was just so special for all of us,” Liscio’s mother said.
“I will miss my teammates since we created a good brotherhood and it is fun to play here with them,” Liscio mentioned. Liscio talked about how if he could go back and change something from his playing time at Dean, he would not pitch since that was what caused him to have Tommy John surgery.
“Playing Amma Maria last weekend is my favorite memory since we walked them off in both games,” Liscio shared. “Seeing Coach May’s response was pretty electric and cool to see him showing emotion,” Liscio continued. Dean also knocked Anna Maria out of the number one spot in the conference by sweeping them in the doubleheader last weekend.