A New Era for URI Baseball
When Raphael Cerrato stepped back onto the campus of the University of Rhode Island in 2023, he did more than return as a former player; he arrived as a coach with a vision to rewrite the Rams’ narrative.
The 2025 campaign proved that vision tangible. The Rams captured the Atlantic 10 regular‑season crown and added the tournament title, finishing the year with a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament — the highest seed ever earned by URI baseball.
Cerrato’s philosophy hinges on confronting the toughest non‑conference opponents. The schedule featured Power‑Conference heavyweights such as Alabama and Texas A&M, giving the team a crucible of experience that prepared them for postseason play.
The results were historic. The 2025 squad set program records in multiple offensive categories, and DJ Perron’s performance earned tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. The team’s offensive firepower translated into a winning culture that resonated across the clubhouse.
The following season presented a different challenge. The Rams slipped to a 22‑27 overall record, yet they remained competitive in Atlantic 10 play with a 15‑12 mark. Cerrato continues to stress recruiting high‑level talent, offering not just scholarships but guaranteed playing time and development pathways.
Describing the program as “blue collar, but loose and fun,” Cerrato emphasizes a work ethic that balances grit with camaraderie. The ultimate ambition remains clear: capture a regional championship and advance to a Super Regional.