Whidbey duo chase baseball dreams

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Whidbey duo chase baseball dreams

February 25, 2022 by David Svien

Oak Harbor’s James Besaw (left) and Coupeville’s Joey Lippo live the diamond life. (Photos courtesy Teresa Besaw)

United by baseball.

Living the hardball life often pulls Coupeville’s Joey Lippo and Oak Harbor’s James Besaw to different parts of the country, but then the diamond is just as likely to reunite them.

The duo, who first met when they were just a year old and their parents were in the Navy, are now in their second year as ballplayers at their respective colleges.

Where it all started.

Lippo suits up for the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where he plays baseball and golf, while Besaw anchors the diamond team at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

With a new college baseball season kicking off, the pair, who grew up playing ball together on Whidbey, are slated to pass each other in the night this campaign.

Both of their schools are slated to compete in the RUSSMATT Central Florida Invitational Mar. 13-20, though Presque Isle and Wisconsin-Superior are not scheduled to play against each other.

But the diamond reunion gives moms Teresa Besaw and Connie Lippo, plus dad Jim Besaw, a chance to jet away to warmer climates during spring break and watch both young men play.

“It’s been fun to watch them grow up together,” Teresa Besaw said. “Especially watching Joey, who was once half James size, grow to be taller than James.

“Our schedules will be busy in Florida, but it will be fun to watch each other’s boys play college ball.”

Earlier days.

The week-long RUSSMATT Central Florida Invitational draws 250+ colleges each year, with teams from NCAA D-1, 2, and 3, as well as NAIA and JUCO squads.

Presque Isle is down to play five days, while Wisconsin-Superior is slated for six. Most days feature doubleheaders for the schools.

While Besaw and Lippo are currently playing for different colleges and repped different Whidbey high schools, they often played either together, or on rival teams, in little league, select baseball, and fall ball.

They also landed on the same roster during their time at Green River College in Auburn, where they played with Coupeville brothers CJ and Hunter Smith.