From rebuild to World Series: The man behind Oswego State baseball’s success

OSWEGO, NY — What started as a major rebuilding year back in 2011 has now exceeded Oswego State Baseball Head Coach Scott Landers’ wildest expectations.

“I said it from day one that we were a World Series team,” said Landers.

Back in 2011, Head Coach Landers took the trip north to Oswego after spending almost nine seasons at Le Moyne college as an Assistant Coach. He knew that he had a tall task at hand when he got here.

“They weren’t very good when I got here,” said Landers.

In his first season as Head Coach, the Lakers won eight conference games; three more than their last three seasons combined. In the last three seasons, the Lakers have made consecutive trips to the NCAA Regional Championships. Last season, the Lakers won their first SUNYAC Championship since 1996, and made their first appearance in the World Series in program history. Coach Landers says his key to success has been the change in the program’s culture

“The players believed in me and what I brought to the table, and then the administration. And really, that’s all you need.” said Landers.

Junior transfer Brandon Nicholson says his decision to come to Oswego was because of the program’s new culture

“I was pretty set on going to Cortland, but I met with him, gave him a chance, he seemed like everything I wanted in a coach,” said Nicholson.

As for Coach Landers, he thinks the skys the limit for the Lakers.

“National Championship is our goal, and we can’t settle for anything less,” said Landers.

While the Lakers currently sit at 8-5 in the season so far, there is plenty of time for Coach Landers and his team to achieve their goals.