Radvany reflects on baseball career at Villanova

Baseball has been a part of J.P. Radvany’s life for as long as he can remember.

So, when that final game came it was a bittersweet moment to say the least

A week ago, Radvany, the former Princeton Day star, graduated from Villanova University, and this past weekend when the Wildcats lost to Creighton, it signaled the end of a solid collegiate career.

The one shining moment is it ended in Omaha on T.D. Ameritrade Field, the host of the College World Series.

“I’ve been a baseball player my whole life,” said Radvany. “It’s a little nostalgic to realize I’m going to have to the transition to the next step in my life.”

He capped it off with a solid senior season.

Radvany led the Wildcats in RBIs with 32, his 25 walks were second on the team and he was tied for third in both doubles with eight and home runs with three.

Over his four year career, he started 135 games, and this season, he made a mound debut as well, hurling one inning against Army. For the most part, he was Villanova’s designated hitter.

“I’ve always been a hitter, that’s my calling card,” said Radvany. “Coaches always told me if you can hit they will find a spot for you. I really felt comfortable as the designated hitter.”

Radvany is taking many life lessons with him as he enters the world of finance and business.

A protégé of Dave Gallagher, Radvany learned from one of the best.

“He always told me baseball is a game of failure,” recalled Radvany. “Honesty, being able to deal with failure becomes a part of life. Baseball has helped me understand that and also about being able to handle pressure situations.”

It wasn’t the ending Radvany had hoped for as the Wildcats missed the Big East playoffs, but there’s not much he’d change.

“I just wanted to go out and enjoy every day of this final season,” said Radvany. “I wanted to be a leader for my teammates and enjoy the entire experience. I’m going to miss it.”