The job of team manager is not a glamorous one, but one that is still important to have on any sport.
The Lyndon State College baseball team knows that about as good as anyone. The team’s manager, sophomore Bo Mustafic, is just as important to the team as the players and coaches. Mustafic must be at all the games and practices just as the players and coaches have to.
“We consider him as much as a part of the team as anyone else,” says junior catcher Robert Trucott. “If we didn’t have him, we wouldn’t have a part of our whole team.”
As team manager, Mustafic has many jobs he has to perform in order for the team to function. At practices, Mustafic tends to any needs that the players have. For example, if a pitcher is standing around waiting for his catcher to get his gear on Mustafic fills in until the catcher is ready or if an infielder needs extra fielding practice Mustafic will hit them groundballs.
Along with helping the players at practice, Mustafic gets the water for the team before every practice and game. He also makes sure that all of the player’s uniforms make it to each game. During the games, Mustafic’s job is to keep track of what happens to every player in the game and the book.
“I think he’s done a great job so far making sure that all that coach needs him to do as far as being manager,” Trucott adds. “He gets it done without any questions.”
Mustafic got into being the team’s manager when a few players asked him if he would want to take the job. Mustafic had been known to be one that is organized and very helpful.
“I took the job without hesitation,” says Mustafic. “It was a chance to be with my friends and learn about the game that they love to play.”
Mustafic’s background in baseball is not a strong one; he played Lacrosse in high school. Mustafic also help manage the lacrosse team at Plymouth State College his freshman year before transferring to Lyndon State.
“I was able to use what I learned about managing a team when I was at Plymouth despite not knowing much about baseball,” says Mustafic. “I try to work hard to give the team what they need from me.”