Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Baseball is no longer a sleeper program in the Northeast Conference (NEC); it is a legitimate contender, building on a historic 2024 season that saw the Knights make a deep run in the conference tournament. As of December 17, 2025, the anticipation for the upcoming 2025 season is palpable, with Head Coach Manny Roman poised to lead a talented roster that promises to elevate the program to new heights in NCAA Division I baseball.
The FDU Knights, based on the Teaneck campus, have successfully transitioned into a program known for grit, strong conference play, and developing top-tier talent, a clear departure from past years. Their recent success is a testament to strategic recruiting and a culture shift that has put them on the map as one of the most exciting teams to watch in the tri-state area and the entire Northeast region.
The FDU Knights Baseball Program: Key Personnel and 2024 Season Recap
The foundation of the FDU Knights' recent success is built on strong leadership and standout individual performances. The program operates out of the Teaneck, New Jersey campus and competes in the highly competitive Northeast Conference (NEC).
Head Coach and Leadership
- Head Coach: Manny Roman
- Role: Roman is leading the charge, focusing on player development and a competitive team culture. His tenure is marked by an emphasis on strong conference performance and securing high-caliber recruits for the 2026 Signing Class.
- Program Affiliation: NCAA Division I (Teaneck Campus)
- Home Field: The Knights play their home games at a facility known for its excellent playing conditions, a vital part of the program's infrastructure.
2024 Season Highlights and Achievements
The 2024 season was a landmark year for FDU Baseball, solidifying their status as a perennial threat in the NEC. The team demonstrated remarkable resilience and a knack for winning critical conference matchups.
- Overall Record: The Knights finished the season with a strong 26-30 overall record.
- Conference Record: An impressive 18-14 record in the Northeast Conference, which was key to securing a playoff spot.
- NEC Championship Run: FDU clinched a spot in the NEC Championship Tournament. As the #6 seed, they immediately made an impact by defeating the #3 seed Merrimack with a score of 9-7 in the opening round in Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
- Playoff Berth: The team officially clinched their playoff berth with a crucial 9-5 win over Wagner late in the season.
This successful campaign, which included a key tournament victory, signals a major upward trend for the program and sets a high bar for the 2025 season expectations.
All-NEC Talent and Key Players to Watch in 2025
The Knights' roster is loaded with talent, including several players who earned prestigious conference honors in 2024. These individuals are the core of the team's identity and will be instrumental in the 2025 push for an NEC title.
Hunter D'Amato: The Program's Accomplished Star
One of the most decorated players in recent FDU history, Hunter D'Amato was a key member of the trio of Knights who earned All-NEC Honors in 2024. His resume is considered one of the most accomplished in the entire history of FDU Baseball, a testament to his consistent performance and leadership. D'Amato’s presence on the roster provides a crucial veteran anchor for the upcoming season.
Other Noteworthy 2024 Roster Entities
The team's success is a collective effort, with numerous players contributing significantly to the 2024 run. These names form the backbone of the program’s current strength:
- Franklin Gomez Jr.
- Jeremy Cheeseman
- Zack Will
- Jadon Tang
- Joan Sosa
- Joey Kosowsky
- TJ Werner
The development of these players under the coaching staff highlights FDU's commitment to turning potential into conference-level production. The depth chart is strong, suggesting that the team can withstand the rigors of a full Division I schedule.
The Road Ahead: FDU Baseball's 2025 Schedule and Program Trajectory
With the 2024 season in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts entirely to the 2025 campaign. The published 2025 Baseball Schedule for the FDU Knights is already generating buzz, promising a challenging and exciting slate of games designed to prepare the team for the NEC Championship.
Challenging Non-Conference Play
Coach Roman typically crafts a non-conference schedule that tests the team early, exposing them to different styles of play and high-level competition. This strategy is crucial for building the momentum and mental toughness required for success in conference play. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring the team's performance against regional rivals and potential national-level opponents.
The Northeast Conference Gauntlet
The NEC remains the primary goal. The Knights’ 18-14 conference record in 2024 demonstrates their capability, but the aim for 2025 is to secure a higher seed and a more favorable path in the tournament. Key conference matchups against teams like Sacred Heart (who they faced in the 2024 NEC Championship) and other strong NEC contenders will define the regular season.
A Note on FDU's Dual Baseball Programs
For clarity and topical authority, it is important to distinguish between the two FDU baseball programs. While the Division I team (Knights) is the focus, the Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus (FDU Devils) also maintains a competitive NCAA Division III program in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom. The Devils also saw a significant leadership change recently, with Garrett deMarrais named the new Head Baseball Coach, indicating a drive for success across both campuses.
Historical Context and Program Legacy
While the current era is one of the most exciting, FDU Baseball has a rich history that provides a foundation for today's achievements. Understanding the program's past helps appreciate the current trajectory.
Early Success and Hall of Fame
The program has moments of brilliance dating back decades. The 1962 Baseball Team, under Head Coach Harvey Woods, holds a special place in FDU history, posting a remarkable 16-6-1 overall record, including a 10-game winning streak. That team, along with individual stars like Matt Maher '09 (a baseball inductee), are honored in the FDU Hall of Fame, linking the current team to a legacy of excellence.
Building a Record Book
The current players are actively rewriting the FDU Baseball Record Book. Every All-NEC honor, every conference win, and every player drafted contributes to the program's growing legacy. The emphasis on winning in the Northeast Conference is a modern focus, but the competitive spirit has always been a hallmark of the Knights.
The Fairleigh Dickinson University Knights baseball program is clearly on an upward trajectory. With a competitive 2024 season, a proven Head Coach in Manny Roman, and a roster featuring All-NEC talent like Hunter D'Amato, the 2025 season is poised to be one of the most successful in the program's history. Fans are eager to see if the Knights can translate their playoff success into a full NEC Championship title, solidifying their spot as a dominant force in collegiate baseball for years to come.
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