Whether you’re an athlete or a professional, few people ever have their focus on the finality of their career. But eight Miami Hurricanes will be honored this Saturday as part of Senior Day festivities recognizing their contributions to the Hurricanes baseball program.
Spencer Bodanza, Christian Del Castillo, Daniel Federman, Raymond Gil, Tony Jenkins, Gabe Rivera, Alex Toral and Ben Wanger make up the first senior class in head coach Gino DiMare’s tenure leading the Hurricanes and they’re a group he will never forget.
“It flies by so fast,” DiMare said. “These guys come and they go. You turn your head and it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh! He was just a freshman here and now he’s getting ready to go.’ It’s certainly a class that I appreciate. It’s guys that I’m certainly happy that they came back.”
Much like DiMare will remember his players, the eight Canes have a bond with each other and their teammates that will last a lifetime.
“The bond we all share as Miami baseball players is special,” first baseman Alex Toral said. “There are guys that played here six or seven years before I even arrived here and I’ve been fortunate to connect with and build relationships with. Whether you played here a long time ago or just a few years ago, we all have great love and pride for The U and we all connect because of that.”
Federman, Gil, Jenkins, Rivera and Toral are four-year players that arrived at Miami together ahead of the 2018 season. The quintet has been through some highs and lows in their four seasons with the Canes and they hope to punctuate their fourth season on a high note.
“It means a lot to be part of that group,” Rivera said. “We came from our freshman year dealing with that adversity and bounced back in 2019 and obviously last year with the whole COVID situation, we’ve been through a lot. We’re a core group of guys and we’ve known each other even before we stepped on campus. Our relationships with each other have just gotten stronger and it’s been a joy to play with each other here after growing up playing with each other to now finishing our college career here. It’s been a blessing to play with those guys and they’ll be my close friends for the rest of my life.”
“It’s definitely incredible being with some of these guys for four years and knowing some of them even before that,” Jenkins added. “We’re obviously going to go our separate ways after our careers end here, but I know we are all going to keep in touch. These are my brothers and I’ll always stay close to them.”
Read more here: Senior Sendoff
Great that they’re canes! Wish them the best!
Posted by: AeroCane | May 15, 2021 at 02:45 PM
Nice to know that Canes seam to always stick together no matter what. We always stick together.
I will be flying in to Orlando sometime in the next week or so. My Sister has been diagnosed with between 2nd & 3rd stage breast cancer looking at a full mastectomy. She is so kind to everyone, always taking care of those around her. Life seams so cruel sometimes. She was so happy last week when she call for me to come out their to sign papers for land we sold that was left to us in a trust by our mother.
Two days later things went from good to bad.
Posted by: Harry Miller | May 16, 2021 at 03:06 AM
Sorry to hear Harry! Our thoughts are with you and your sister!
Posted by: AeroCane | May 16, 2021 at 06:40 AM
Harry, sorry about the bad news related to your sister. Happy that you finally sold the property in North Florida. Hope the sale turned out well for you and your family members.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 16, 2021 at 09:42 AM
Harry,
Life has surely been testing you lately. Damn good thing you’re as tough as you are.
Prayers with you
Posted by: KYcane | May 16, 2021 at 10:17 AM
Prayers To You Harry! God Bless U And Your Family Man!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | May 16, 2021 at 10:33 PM
Thanks to each of you for your thoughts and prayers.
I will bein central fla for a week at least. Tom send me you phone number maybe we can get together for a cold one.
Got what we wanted for land, that's always a good thing.
Posted by: Harry Miller | May 16, 2021 at 10:34 PM
Harry...will do. Where will you be staying in CFL? Hope to see you soon. My days off are Wednesday and Thursday. Let's plan accordingly.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 17, 2021 at 11:25 AM
#25 Miami vs #2 Alabama 3:30 PM/ET 2:30 PM/CT
Mercedes Benz Stadium
Atlanta Georgia
Saturday September 4th
Posted by: Terrance M Sullivan | May 18, 2021 at 12:18 PM
Bets as to: does manny even have a clue? Lol
Posted by: AeroCane | May 18, 2021 at 01:32 PM
OUCH!!!! 94 MPH fastball straight on the nose
https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/18/us/new-york-mets-kevin-pillar-sports-injury-spt-trnd/index.html
Posted by: Old Skool | May 18, 2021 at 05:10 PM
Harry good talking to you today. Looking forward to seeing you the first week of June. I agree with you that the Canes will beat Bama 34-13.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 18, 2021 at 05:31 PM
Harry good talking to you today. Looking forward to seeing you the first week of June. I agree with you that the Canes will beat Bama 34-13.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 18, 2021 at 05:31 PM
Yep, Alabama is going to make a late run to ensure the score is closer than it otherwise appears. I have Miami up 27-3 at halftime and Nick Saban literally going apoplectic as his team trudges into the locker room. A 3rd quarter field goal and a garbage touchdown with under a minute gets it to 34-13.
Posted by: TonyCane | May 18, 2021 at 11:10 PM
Well, The Herb believes we can win but we ain't getting 34 on that dee.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | May 19, 2021 at 12:35 AM
The mighty Canes baseball team got goose egged by powerful FIU 3-0. There is nothing left to say.🤯
Posted by: HerbieIbis | May 19, 2021 at 08:23 AM
86, I’ve put a lot of work into this blog over the years. It’s time u take it up a notch. Ope a CANESPACE YouTube channel. The boys r doing it on the Utube network. Not all of them r good. Some r just loud mouths, like Holsum 1 Holloway. But there a lot of guys doing it well. And u r going to have an instant following from this blog. Think about it man!!
The best fan football minds are also on this blog!
Posted by: AfriCane | May 19, 2021 at 03:41 PM
Herbi...did the FIU players fake injuries again?
Posted by: TonyCane | May 20, 2021 at 09:29 AM
Tony LOL
No, but Blake James is faking that we have a real baseball coach!
Posted by: AeroCane | May 20, 2021 at 01:32 PM
Actually we lost to FAU but I got a lol on the Faking Lol Injuries Line Great Stuff Fellas
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | May 20, 2021 at 02:02 PM
86, I’ve put a lot of work into this blog over the years. It’s time u take it up a notch. Ope a CANESPACE YouTube channel.And u r going to have an instant following from this blog.
The best fan football minds are also on this blog!
Posted by: AfriCane | May 19, 2021 at 03:41 PM
If you want to do a YouTube Video interview with your assessment of the team, I am game. We have a YouTube Channel but never use it.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 20, 2021 at 07:16 PM
Well if you can believe it, Canes baseball is either tied with GT for 1st in ACC coastal (or a half game out, I couldn’t figure it out) - beat Louisville last night 6-1
Play 2 more and the regular season is over
Posted by: AeroCane | May 21, 2021 at 07:11 AM
Morales hits a 2 run HR and canes beat UL 2-0
Posted by: AeroCane | May 21, 2021 at 09:12 PM
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | May 22, 2021 at 12:06 PM
Canes beat UL today 3-2 for the sweep!!
Posted by: AeroCane | May 22, 2021 at 03:21 PM
Aero...thanks for the update. Let's hope this continues.
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | May 22, 2021 at 05:11 PM
Let's hope this continues.
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | May 22, 2021 at 05:11 PM
Yes sir!!
Posted by: AeroCane | May 22, 2021 at 05:25 PM
Broomed DA Ville but I think G.T. did the same to UNC.
Picked up another Oh linemen from UNLV. Will have 2 years left, which means we are counting another ship forward.
My question is why do we need another OL. We need a LB or maybe another CB more than we need another OL.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | May 22, 2021 at 09:44 PM
Herb, yes - CB and LB; too bad we couldn’t get the LB that Bama pulled from Tenn! I’d say saben is the king of the transfer portal, not manny; but I love we got Stevenson at CB - that was a great job by manny!
As for the the OL, our OL coach is very familiar with him, his tape is good, he can be a good backup (or even possibly push for playing time this year) and with some of the OL moving on after the year (portal, graduation or nfl) he may be a key piece in 2022 rather than hitting the portal for a ‘new’ guy. Just my thoughts.
Posted by: AeroCane | May 23, 2021 at 07:43 AM
We need a LB or maybe another CB more than we need another OL.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | May 22, 2021 at 09:44 PM
I think the correct answer is...ALL of the above!
Posted by: 86Cane | May 23, 2021 at 04:58 PM
Manny is the undisputed king of the portal. Other coaches trying to be like him. Not surprised Bala pulled the LB. it’s nana been Bama. The point is that manny might not have gone after dude that hard. There’s reports that if he had brought in another LB, a bunch of our boys would have headed straight for the portal. The upside of chase, keyontre, and flag is worth more than a one year LB help. I would not want to loose them to the portal.
Posted by: AfriCane | May 23, 2021 at 05:36 PM
Africa
I don't give a rat's azz if sum of dem useless LB's hit da portal, after the way they played last year. We don't have one LB that I have confidence in. They all had their chances. Maybe with different coaches the light bulb will go off.
I'm more worried about recruiting at this point, we have exactly one recruit. I don't see this 22 class coming anywhere close to the 21 class. There are plenty of Defensive studs to nab but the problem, the vast majority don't have us near the top. I look for us to have about a half and half class of high schoolers. Half 3 star half 4 stat, that is unless things change drastically.
Posted by: The Word From The Herb | May 23, 2021 at 07:39 PM
Forgot to add, that we probably won't bring in no more than 17 or 18 high school kids, in 22.
Will keep 7 or 8 spots open for portal kids.
May be that way until we can bum rush our way into the big boys club. It starts with how we play against Bama. A putrid showing won't endear ourselves to the local talent pool.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | May 23, 2021 at 07:43 PM
Well, yea! Line backer play was off, but some guys were out of position, like keyontre. He should have been on the outside. Korey flag transformed his body, that should make him faster. And also other guys with another year under manny’s defense and the S&C coach. Also, schoope as a analyst is making a lot of deference.
And I’m simply going to roll with manny. He’s made all the moves he usually makes.
Wait & see
Posted by: AfriCane | May 24, 2021 at 02:22 AM
1. And I’m simply going to roll with Manny.
2. He’s made all the moves he usually makes.
3. Wait & see
Posted by: AfriCane | May 24, 2021 at 02:22 AM
1. U always have and always will.
2. That's what SHE said!
3. SHE ain't never said that.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 24, 2021 at 05:21 PM
1. And I’m simply going to roll with Manny.
2. He’s made all the moves he usually makes.
3. Wait & see
Posted by: AfriCane | May 24, 2021 at 02:22 AM
1. U always have and always will.
2. That's what SHE said!
3. SHE ain't never said that.
😂
Posted by: 86Cane | May 24, 2021 at 05:21 PM
Posted by: roachcane77 | May 24, 2021 at 06:13 PM
Oops... I MEANT...
😂🤣🙌🏼😳
Posted by: roachcane77 | May 24, 2021 at 06:15 PM
Ditto to the above
Posted by: Old Skool | May 25, 2021 at 09:50 AM
Even a blind squirrel...
Posted by: 86Cane | May 25, 2021 at 06:16 PM
Harry God bless you and yours. I hope the little man is challenging you. I pray for your sister and all of your family; like many of us....I have never met you but know and love you like a brother!
Rev 21:5...Behold I make all things new...he does and he will Harry!
Hope all of you are well....my 3 month old granddaughter is a gift...I have 3 girls 3 months 4 and 5.......I am 62 if I live 12 years or so...some dude gonna get punched! LOL!!!! My nieces spouse murder trial started yesterday....moved to 1st degree...in my youth I would have died trying to get to him...as a grownup...sorta..lol....I have to faith in God and the system...yea America is f**ked up...but still best all time forever...in the world!
Hope we will have a good year in football...we will see! U I and U II on ESPN tonight...all my stuff in storage so watching and recording!!!! Go Canes bless all of you
Posted by: VA Cane | May 25, 2021 at 10:44 PM
Got our 2nd commitment today! 6’0, 175 lb WR quan Lee from Gainesville bucholtz; rated 3 star
Beat out coastal carolina (yes I said that), WV, NEB and UCF
Posted by: AeroCane | May 26, 2021 at 04:32 PM
Well whup tee doo.
Forgive The Herb fotmr the sarcasm. Let's see we have 12 WR on the roster and have Harley and hopefully Rambo and a bunch of question Mark's. I'LL say this we probably are only going to take 2 WR's so I hope the next one is a 4 or better. The kid is good and has some speed but we got a roster full of grunt WR's. How about someone in the 6'3 range.
Posted by: The Herb | May 26, 2021 at 06:29 PM
Apparently they like them small and fast?
Posted by: 58 Straight | May 26, 2021 at 06:37 PM
How about someone in the 6'3 range.
Posted by: The Herb | May 26, 2021 at 06:29 PM
That’s hopefully the next and only other WR we take
BTW if my memory serves me right, a guy named Clinton Portis came out of Gainesville a while back! Let’s hope lightning strikes twice with Quan!
Posted by: AeroCane | May 26, 2021 at 06:41 PM
Apparently they like them small and fast?
Posted by: 58 Straight | May 26, 2021 at 06:37 PM
Definitely NOT what she said
Posted by: KYcane | May 27, 2021 at 09:17 AM
Canes go down to the mighty Duke baseball team! No ACC semis etc
Play FSU next in a game that means absolutely nothing other than pride
Posted by: AeroCane | May 27, 2021 at 02:00 PM
All-ACC First Team closer Carson Palmquist (1-1) took his first loss of the season by allowing Rothenberg's home run with one out in the bottom of the 9th.
Posted by: AeroCane | May 27, 2021 at 02:26 PM
Canes Game against Apalachian State Saturday September 11th will be at 7PM Game against Michigan State on Saturday September 18Th will be at High Noon(Ball Soup Conditions) and Game Against Virginia on Thursday September 30th at 7:30PM all at Home. Of Course Course Season Opener against Alabama in Atlanta On Saturday September 4th at 3:30PM.
Posted by: Terrance M Sullivan | May 27, 2021 at 04:17 PM
Terrance, thanks for the updates
Posted by: AeroCane | May 27, 2021 at 04:33 PM
Apparently they like them small and fast?
Posted by: 58 Straight | May 26, 2021 at 06:37 PM
Definitely NOT what she said
Posted by: KYcane | May 27, 2021 at 09:17 AM
At least you are paying attention.
Posted by: 86Cane | May 27, 2021 at 04:51 PM
Your Welcome Aero and An Amendment it’s Balls and Breasts Soup Conditions For Michigan State Game lol
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | May 27, 2021 at 04:56 PM