WORCESTER — Lynn native Cam O’Neill wrapped up his college baseball career last weekend at Division I Holy Cross.
The Crusaders finished the season at 18-27, 11-14 in Patriot League play. They reached the Patriot League Tournament but fell in the opening round after losing a best-of-three series to Navy.
O’Neill, who spent three seasons at St. Mary’s before transferring to Buckingham Browne and Nichols for one year, finished his senior season with a .221 batting average, six home runs and 26 RBI in 42 games. Looking back on his senior season, O’Neill’s proud of where the Crusaders finished in a year that saw Holy Cross groom a large group of underclassmen.
“I feel we did better than a lot of people expected,” O’Neill, an infielder, said. “We lost 13 seniors and had 15 freshmen this season. That’s almost half the team. I don’t think a lot of people expected us to make the Patriot League Tournament. It was frustrating at times, being so young and there were a lot of mistakes along the way. But it was exciting seeing how much the guys developed in two and a half months. This team’s going to be really good moving forward.”
A 4-year starter, O’Neill capped his career with impressive accolades. His name’s etched in the Holy Cross record book as the all-time leader in games played (203), games started (198), at-bats (730) and sacrifice flies (12). O’Neill ranks fourth all-time in RBI (119) and seventh in hits (189).
O’Neill credits his accolades to remaining healthy throughout his career and getting the chance to jump in as a starter during his freshman season, when he posted a .311 batting average and was named Patriot League Rookie of the Year.
“I was consistent enough to stay in the lineup at times,” O’Neill said. “It’s something where you’re working hard every day. It’s the goal to be in the lineup every day. I was lucky that I stayed healthy for the past four years. It’s pretty nice to look back on and see that.”
O’Neill’s career includes a run to the regional round of the Division I NCAA Tournament. Holy Cross won its first ever Patriot League Tournament championship that season, earning its first bid to the NCAA’s since 1978.
“I wish we had gone to a regional this year and I was really hoping we’d make it again after seeing what it was like,” O’Neill said. “Everyone got a taste of what it was like to play that kind of baseball. Getting a taste of that kind of made me hope we’d do it again. We had a really good shot at it but we just came up a little short
“It’s been an amazing four years,” O’Neill added. “I wouldn’t have chosen another place to go. It’s been a fun ride with all my teammates and coaches. It’s been an awesome time that I’ll definitely have fond memories of for a very long time.”
With a large group of underclassmen who received valuable experience and playing time this past spring, O’Neill feels Holy Cross is in good standing moving forward.
“There’s 10 more freshman coming in next year,” O’Neill said. “Our 15 freshmen this season were a really talented group. They have a ton of talent and they work really hard. It was a fun class to be around. The program’s in great shape moving forward. The coaches do a really good job at that. The guys are great players and students. I’m really excited to see how they perform in coming years.”
An economics major, O’Neill’s set to walk the stage Saturday at the school’s graduation. His next endeavor includes a full-time position with Fidelity Investments in Rhode Island.
Although he’s turning the page on his baseball career, O’Neill’s grateful for experiences at Holy Cross and excited for what his future holds.
“Holy Cross transformed me into a different person throughout the four years, juggling baseball with classes, school work and clubs,” O’Neill said. “It taught me a handful of valuable lessons and I’ll appreciate that. I met a lot of great friends. I wouldn’t have chosen anywhere else to go. I’m appreciative.
“I’m really happy about the way things worked out,” he added. “This year was hectic at school, adding a job search into the mix. Me and my roommates were driving all over, doing job interviews and all that. We handled it as best as we could. It was fun and it all worked out so I’m definitely lucky. I’m excited.”