Before every baseball game, Russell Sandefer (‘23) sits in the dugout, listening to music and rubbing “the bone dome”- a title bestowed upon his shaved head. Nicknamed “Bone” his freshman year by fellow teammates, Sandefer is anything but unfamiliar with baseball— playing the game for well over a decade.

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was 4 years old. My brother and I both wanted to play sports, so we tried baseball and loved it.”

Sandefer will continue to play baseball come next year, as he announced on Aug 5 his commitment to play with Saint Leo University at the Division II level.

“Getting an offer was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. One of the best moments in my life. I had another offer and many interests in various schools in Florida and Georgia,” he said. Ultimately, Sandefer chose to commit to Saint Leo because of the “great baseball program and the great education and campus. I really felt at home.”

Sandefer has been pitching for the Knights for two years, with this upcoming season being his third. Though his spring season is still ahead of him, Sandefer’s hard work, leadership and energy will be sorely missed by the Robinson baseball team come fall.

“Russ is a spark plug for our team. He works harder than anyone I’ve ever seen and is a natural leader for the younger players,” fellow pitcher Nate Jennewein (‘23) said.

“Russ is definitely one of the lifebloods of the team. His positive energy brings us together and he is a natural leader for everyone. He is an excellent player that has some pretty nasty stuff. There is no better embodiment of Robinson baseball than Russ,” Alex DeLise (‘23) said.

Russell Sandefer will attend Saint Leo University next, and though he may be a lion come next season, he will always be a Knight.

“RHS baseball has defined who I am as a person. It has taught me discipline, the value of hard work, being a better person and man. It made relationships with people I’ll never forget. It truly helped me figure myself out and enjoy high school more than anyone else.”