Talented teams ready for action on diamond
Though unseasonably cold, wet weather may be grimly hanging on, the calendars says it is time to play ball. The Chester County has long been known for having strong baseball teams that contend for district and state titles. This year, should be no exception, with Devon Prep defending its PIAA Class A crown. Graduations have taken a toll on certain teams, but like the theme of the season, new players will rise up and provide the talent infusion needed. The following is a capsule look at the area baseball teams.
Ches-Mont League American Division
Great Valley
Coach: Matt Schultz
2014 record: 14-7
Key Players: Allan Barry, Sr, P; Joe Leonetti, Sr, C; Jake Nonnemacher, Sr, Of; Tom Allen, Sr, Inf.
Outlook: Although the Patriots had to replace six starters from last season, it seems Schultz always finds a way to keep the program near the top of the league.
Kennett
Coach: Matt Royer
2014 record: 5-15
Key Players: Joe Zirolli, Sr, P; Matt Kelly, Sr, Inf; Ian Slicer, Sr, C.
Outlook: Royer is a big upgrade in the dugout. Look for the Blue Demons to be at or just over the .500 mark.
Octorara
Coach: Gene Lambert
2014 record: 4-15
Key Players: Derrick McHenry, Sr, C; Jackson Ray, Sr, P; Nate Reynolds, Sr, Of; Chase Thomas, Sr, Of.
Outlook: The Braves struggled last season, but Lambert will bring enthusiasm to the program and Ray is a very good pitcher.
Oxford
Coach: Andy Wendle
2014 record: 6-13
Key Players.Joey Boggs, Sr, P; Dan Green, Jr, Inf; Nolan Benke, Soph, P.
Outlook: The Hornets were in almost every game last season. Look for them to win more of them this season.
Unionville
Coach: Mike Magee
2014 record: 11-8
Key Players: Drew Jarmuz, Sr, Of; Alex Pechin, Sr, P; Chris Koehler, Sr, If.
Outlook: The Indians are one of the favorites to win the American and be a player in the District 1 playoffs.
West Chester Rustin
Coach: Brad Harkins
2014 record: 10-9
Key Players: Charlie Concannon, Sr, Of; Andrew Chobany, Sr, P; Andrew Coleman, Sr, Inf.
Outlook: The Golden Knights always seem to hit the ball. They should be in the thick of the American race.
Ches-Mont National
Avon Grove
Coach: Dave Whitcraft
2014 record:13-8
Key Players: Mike Dietz, Sr, Inf; Brett Rice, Sr, P; Tyler Bonner, Sr, Of; Ryan Guckin, Sr, C.
Outlook: The Red Devils should hit the baseball and be very tough in the wide open National Division.
Bishop Shanahan
Coach: Brian Boyko
2014 record: 11-9
Key Players: Jeff Zebrowski, Sr, Of; Gavin Roselli, Sr, Of; Frank Chubb, Sr, P; Riley O’Day, Jr, Inf.
Outlook: Zebrowski is one of the best players in the district and should lead the Eagles into the Class AAA playoffs.
Coatesville
Coach: Hal Ziegler
2014 record: 13-8
Key Players: Bobby Keuhn, Sr, P; Jorge Rodriguez, Sr, If; Jarret Urban, Sr, Inf; Victor Gabriel, Sr, Inf.
Outlook: The Red Raiders will hit and pitch, but they must field the baseball to contend in the National.
Downingtown East
Coach: Pete Susi
2014 record: 15-5
Key Players: Jesse Alba, Sr, Inf; Ryan Rumer, Sr, P; Spencer Cobb, Sr, C; Tommy Marollo, Sr, Of; Nick Amicon, Sr, Inf.
Outlook: The Cougars have some key pieces back from last season’s championship team.
Downingtown West
Coach: Dave Oleaziek
2014 record: 12-7
Key Players: Doug Conrad, Sr, P; Colin Domblesky, Sr, Inf; Josh Marcelli, Sr, Inf; Jason Borosky, Sr, Inf.
Outlook: The Whippets return a ton of starters and should be in the National race all season.
W.C. East
Coach: Scott Kelley
2014 record: 9-10
Key players: Culver Hughes, Sr, P; Donald Edwards, Sr, P; Shane Springer, Sr, C; David Conklin, Sr, P; Sean O’Donnell, Sr, Of.
Outlook: Hughes may be the best pitcher in the league . The Vikings should contend for the title and be a district playoff team.
W.C. Henderson
Coach: Luke McNichol
2014 record: 9-10
Key Players: Grayson Davis, Sr, P; Vinny Feloa, Sr, Inf; Mike Hill, Sr, Of; Jason McMahon, Jr, Inf; Chase Longeneker, Jr, Inf.
Outlook: The Warriors are young but nothing comes easy against a McNichol coached team.
Other Schools
Conestoga
Coach: John Vogan
2014 record: 23-6
Key Players: Brendon Little, Sr, P; Ryan Ogren, Sr, Inf; Tim Miller, Sr, Inf.
Outlook: The Pioneers lost eight starters from last seasons PIAA state finalist team, but expect them to win the Central League again and be very tough in the district playoffs.
Malvern Prep
Coach: Fred Hillard
2014 record: 26-8
Key Players: Brndan inglis, Sr, Inf; Nick Parent, Sr, Of; Clay Konencki, Sr, Inf.
Outlook: The Friars have a lot of talent and should repeat as Inter-Ac champs.
Devon Prep
Coach: Mark Aquilante.
2014 record: 22-7 PIAAClass A champions.
Key Players: Dominic Hardaway, Sr, C; Tim Rohr, Jr, P; Sean Phelan, Sr, Inf.
Outlook: With key pieces back, look for the Tide to again make a run at a PIAA Class A title.
Church Farm
Coach: Bob McHale
2014 record: 11-9
Key Players: Eric Diaz, Jr, Inf; Tim Lopez, Sr, P; John Luke Quintero, Sr, Of; Steve Zarycranski, Sr, Of.
Outlook: The Griffins should be competitive in the Bicentennial League.
