Coming off of a season in which Andrew was sidelined due to Tommy John surgery, the elder Ferreira is himself no stranger to adversity. The junior had a solid freshman campaign in 2010, including one Ivy League Rookie of the Week nod and a no-hitter against BC, and he looks to pick up where he left off in the coming season.

Fully recovered from the surgery, Andrew has stepped into a leadership role as the Crimson’s sole captain in 2012.

“It’s been fun,” Andrew said. “[Being a captain] has definitely been a new experience, especially because I missed last year [due to injury]. It was kind of tough sitting back.”

And according to Walsh, Andrew might see time as a designated hitter for the Crimson in addition to time on the mound.

“We call [Andrew] ‘Tim Tebow’ with his work ethic,” Walsh said. “But Andrew’s been showing some good power on a right-handed bat. I’ve got a lot of tough decisions to make, which I welcome.”

Although the Crimson played to a disappointing 9-36 overall mark last year, Harvard’s aim this season remains the same.

“The goal is to win the championship,” Andrew noted. “We’ve been working since day one, and I think we’ve really begun to turn the tide. Our attitude’s been better, and we’ve all been working our butts off.”

In Walsh’s eyes, the toughness and athleticism both Andrew and Ethan bring to the table will be instrumental in any success the Crimson has this season.

“They’re two of the best athletes,” Walsh said. “I think they could go play any sport here at Harvard, the two of them. What they bring to the team is definitely some toughness, and we need that.”

But regardless of outcome, the Ferreira brothers relish the opportunity to play on the same team.

“I haven’t played with [Ethan] since I was 11,” Andrew said. “It’s been fun. I definitely enjoy every moment.”

—Staff writer Catherine E. Coppinger can be reached at ccoppinger@college.harvard.edu.