The Brandeis baseball team started its season over February break in Florida at the RussMatt Invitational. The Judges went 2-4 in their six games. Nick Falkson ’18 was a huge player in the Judges games’. In his collegiate debut, Falkson batted .458 with a slugging percentage of .708, while playing all six games at shortstop and committing only one error in 31 chances.
Falkson’s outstanding performance at the invitational led to his selection by the University Athletic Association as the Hitter of the Week while also being named to the D3Baseball.com’s Team of the Week. When asked about his achievement in his first week of the season, Falkson replied, “I just want to continue to work hard and help the team succeed in whatever way possible.”
“I love competing for Brandeis and playing under a coach who knows as much about the game as anybody does. Also, it’s awesome to learn from some of the upperclassmen and use them as mentors,” said Falkson. However, his love of the game is deeply rooted in his childhood. Falkson said that he started baseball in little league, following in the steps of his brother. “My favorite thing about baseball is just playing the game. My favorite memory would have to be playing shortstop and second base with my older brother a few summers ago. It was a really cool experience playing a season in the same infield as him.”
Falkson, a native of Dedham, MA, is planning to major in marketing and computer science during his time at Brandeis. “I chose Brandeis because it offers a great balance between challenging academics and a strong baseball program.” Falkson is hoping to help his team succeed in whatever way possible this season, as the team looks toward UAA conference play in Florida this coming week. “Our team puts in a lot of work. We practice every day in preparation for next week’s UAA tournament.”
“He has transitioned from third base, his natural position, to shortstop and has done a nice job. I am very pleased with his progress so far,” Head Coach Richard Varney said about Falkson’s play and growth this season.
Falkson is one of many rookies that will participate in what looks like a bright future for the Judges. Brandeis baseball will play eight games at the UAA tournament down in Florida next week, starting with a game against Rochester.
