LYNN — Like for most athletes, it’s been a whirlwind year for Lynnfield native Jonathan Luders. Between pandemic uncertainty, limited seasons and adjusting to the next level of baseball, the former Lynnfield High star had plenty to go up against. And yet, he still managed to come out better on the other side.
“It’s definitely been a wild year, but that’s no different than for everyone else,” said Luders, who recently wrapped up his sophomore season at Seton Hall University. “First of all, I’m just happy that we had the opportunity to play because not everyone got that. It was great to grind it out and work my way into the lineup, and I felt like I really grew out there.”
Luders was one of the fortunate collegiate players whose team played a large chunk of its schedule this year, as the Pirates played a 46-game schedule. Luders played in 35 of those games with 31 starts, and he hit .231 with one home run and 12 RBI with an on-base percentage of .412.
But more importantly than on the offensive end was Luders’ growth on the defensive side, where he bounced around from second base to shortstop to third base, where he eventually settled. Having been primarily a middle infielder for his entire baseball life, it was certainly an adjustment.
“I hadn’t played much third base before Seton Hall, so it was great to be able to rely on a great group of upperclassmen to mentor me through it,” said Luders. “Guys like Casey Dana and Bobby Sheppard and all of the other infielders, they really helped and I’m grateful for all the experience I’ve gotten.”
And all of that experience flowed right into this summer with the Navs, as Luders has found himself in a similar position. He’s seen time at second, third and shortstop this year, and he’s only made one error.
“I just want to be ready whenever the coach needs me and wherever he needs me,” said Luders. “I just want to do what I can to help the team win.”
While his batting average isn’t exactly where he would want it as of now (.185), Luders continuously contributes to the offense by getting on base, moving runners along and scoring runs when necessary. His nine RBI ranks him sixth on the Navs, while his .380 on-base percentage ranks eighth on the team.
“It was a similar story this year at Seton Hall, I didn’t get off to the best start offensively so I just started grinding out at-bats,” said Luders. “I think that’s the kind of player I am, I’m always willing to drop a bunt or draw a walk or get hit by a pitch. My goal is to move runners over, keep innings alive and bring home runs when I can.”
As Luders and the Navs come to the final four weeks of the season, the push is on to get into a prime position for the playoff run.
“We’ve already had a bunch of games postponed by rain, so we know that the back half of the schedule is going to be jam-packed for everyone,” said Luders. “I think it’s pretty wide open across the division right now and we’re all really meshing well, so anything can happen coming down the stretch.”
Luders is also looking forward to his junior season at Seton Hall, where he’ll welcome fellow Lynnfield native and recent St. John’s Prep graduate Pat D’Amico onto the Pirates squad.
“It’s exciting to have another Lynnfield guy coming to Seton Hall and I’m really happy for him,” said Luders. “It’s going to be great to come back after another year of learning and gaining experience and bring what I’ve learned to the Seton Hall team. If I’m getting better, then Seton Hall is getting better, and that’s the goal.”
