During the spring sports’ season at EMU, the Royals baseball team had gotten off to a quick start when their season was cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak of March 2020.

 This event was devastating for Senior John Judy. “It was like a kick to the stomach, as a team we were playing well and really started to gel. We had a feeling like we were going to do something big and then just to have it all taken away was one of the worst feelings in the world,” said Judy. 

He was playing his best collegiate season. He had a 3-1 pitching record with 34 strikeouts and a 1.73 Earned Run Average (ERA) in 26  innings, as well as batting .317 with 13 hits and one homerun. Judy went on to receive All-State first team as a pitcher. 

With the season being cancelled, the athletes got an extra year to be able to play, and Judy took that opportunity. “The biggest thing for me coming back was just to be around the guys for one more year. The guys on the team are my best friends so getting to play one more year and finish what we started [was a big deal],” said Judy. 

Being a fifth-year Senior during the pandemic, this season means a lot more to John. “The season means a chance to finish what I started five years ago. I am truly blessed to be able to come back and finish it off. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to be around,” said Judy. 

With coming back for another year, Judy wasn’t allowed to practice with the team in the fall. “It was difficult not being with the team this fall. I never thought I would miss a practice. I really missed being around the guys,” said Judy. 

Judy is looking to have a big role on and off the field for the Royals this year. “I hope to bring as much leadership as I possibly can. I feel like I am a guy who has seen it all college baseball wise, so I think we can really benefit from that. Lastly, I want to affect the team in a positive manner no matter what role I am in. This is my last ride, and I want to do my best to help us do big things,” said Judy.

With athletics being on a pause right now, Judy and the Royals hope to get back on the field soon and finish what they started.