SENIOR WEEKS: Kennett catcher Balint won’t get to mow down opposing runners this spring

For the past three seasons, the Kennett Blue Demon baseball team has had the privilege of having one of the best all-around catchers in District 1.

And now, in what was to be his senior season, University of Delaware commit Mitch Balint is having a hard time coping with the grim reality that there won’t be a spring sports season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which officially ended the baseball season after an announcement Thursday by the PIAA.

Balint hit a lusty .402 last season while banging out 27 hits and is arguably the best defensive catcher in the district. Opposing runners have learned not to challenge the rifle arm of Balint on the basepaths.

“It’s a lot of mixed emotions right now,” Balint said. “We really felt we were going have a good season because we thought we had a good pitching staff. I guess I am mad right now because I worked so hard for the last three seasons, I have worked for my senior season and I won’t be able to shine at my brightest. And also, I am only about 20 something hits away from 100 hits for my career and I would really like to get there.”

Kennett coach Joe Oleykowski is a veteran baseball man who has seen his fair share of players. He talked glowingly about what it is like to be around a talent like Balint every day.

“Mitch is a true baseball player in every aspect of the game,” Oleykowski said. “He just loves to play the game and he works 24/7 trying to better his game. In my 30 years of coaching he is one of the best, if not the best, I have ever had the privilege of working with.”

Balint is very excited to be going to the University of Delaware next fall and the Blue Demon catcher talked about his college choice.

“I really liked the coaching staff and the players I met when I went to visit Delaware,” Balint said. “I felt very comfortable and it is going to be exciting to be playing college baseball close to home.”