2022 Mercury Baseball Team-By-Team Preview

BOYERTOWN

Manager: Todd Moyer, 29th season

2021 record: 13-3 PAC, 7-3 Liberty, 16-5 overall (District 1-6A runner-up, PIAA first round)

Players to watch: Evan Hetrick, Sr., OF; Brandon Shane, Sr., P/IF/OF; Cole Kratz, Sr., IF/OF; Colin Eisenhard, Sr., P/3B; Cole Galloway, Sr., P; Tyler Hoffman, Sr., OF; Alex DeForge, Sr.; Luke Moser, Sr., IF; Peyton Moyer, Sr., UT; Ryan Maloney, Sr., UT.

Outlook: Coach Todd Moyer used a lot of players during last year’s run to the district title game and state playoffs, so 10 Bears return with significant postseason experience, including seniors Evan Hetrick and Brandon Shane (second team All-PAC). The Bears have some depth in the lineup but along with their big bats will miss the big arms of Trey Yesavage (East Carolina) and Cole Hertzler (Liberty). Finding some reliable pitching will be the key for this group as they certainly have the pieces to play good defense and produce runs.

DANIEL BOONE

Manager: Jason McCord, 11th season (15th overall)

2021 record: 7-9 overall, 4-8 Berks I

Players to watch: Alex Vassallo, Sr., OF; Nate DeBusi, Sr., SS; Mason Walter, Jr., 2B; Ethan Rissmiller, Jr., P; Riley Brady, Sr., P/1B; Jamie Pence, Sr., P; Connor McGough, C, Jr.; Eli Rhoads, Jr., P/3B

Outlook: The Blazers have just three returning starters from last year’s squad, so experience will be at a premium. The good news is the three players with the most starting experience are shortstop Nate DeBusi, second baseman Mason Walter and center fielder Alex Vassallo, giving the team a good core up the middle to rely on. “The 2022 team will be relatively inexperienced at the varsity level and will need to fill the shoes of some big contributors from last season,” coach Jason McCord said. “The team will rely on fundamental play and many contributors on the mound as they build experience and compete in a very tough division.”

HILL SCHOOL

Manager: Ed Turner, third season

2021 record: 8-7, 3rd place MAPL

Players to watch: Gilbert Saunders, RHP, 2022 (Minnesota); Kenny Palmieri, INF, 2022; Jake Voynar, SS, 2023; Eli Willman, 3B, 2023

Outlook: The Blues lost one of their top arms, but have the bulk of their lineup returning in 2022, including first team all-area selection Kenny Palmieri, and righthander Gilbert Saunders (a Minnesota recruit) back on the mound. With Palmieri, Jake Voynar and Eli Willman all returning the Blues should be strong in the infield. “Play hard, play together, get better each day,” coach Edd Turner said of the team’s goals.

Methacton

Manager: Paul Spiewak, 19th season

2021 record: 7-9 PAC, 2-8 Liberty, 11-9 overall

Players to Watch: Tyler Weil-Kasper, Jr., IF/P; Mike Lamalfa, Sr., C; Nolan McCloskey, Sr., OF; Graham Halfpenny, Sr., P/2B; Michael Christian, Jr., SS; Matthew Christian, Jr., P; Kross Howarth, So., OF (Tulane); Robert Kleckner, Jr., OF; Jake Chapman, Jr., OF; Mark Griffith, Jr., P; Mike Wimmer, Sr., C/DH

Outlook: The Warriors have gone from one of the least experienced teams in the league to one of the most experienced PAC squads this season. Led at the plate by senior outfielder Nolan McCloskey (All-PAC Liberty first team) and on the mound by senior Graham Halfpenny (All-PAC Liberty second team) Methacton has a good chance to jump back into league contention. “Given the number of returning varsity players, especially on the mound, we have great opportunities for players to be competing with each other for starting positions all over the field,” coach Paul Spiewak said. “Our seniors have been doing a great job of leading this group to doing the right things towards earning success, and we have a tremendous group of underclassman that are working hard every day.”

NORRISTOWN

Manager: Brett Huston, first season

2021 record: 2-14 PAC, 0-10 Liberty, 2-14 overall

Players to watch: Logan Sigg, Jr.; Todd Picard, Sr.; Logan Hendricks, Jr.; Dylan Duke, Jr.; Dylan Holmes, So.; Braiden McClellan, Sr.; Jacob Ronca, Jr., C/3B/OF

Outlook: The Eagles had another tough go of things in a very talented Liberty Division last season. They will certainly miss the presence of Jimmy Keyes, but there are quite a few starters back from last year’s squad. Finding consistent pitching will be the key for Norristown. That’s something the Eagles lacked last season, but with some innings under their belts, there are several candidates on this year’s squad to fill that role.

OWEN J. ROBERTS

Manager: Greg Gilbert, 23rd season

2021 record: 11-5 PAC, 6-4 Liberty, 14-7 overall (District 1-6A second round)

Players to watch: Dean Mihos, Sr., SS (Coastal Carolina); Aaron Kirby, Sr., OF; Ethan Sabatino, Sr., INF; Jarred Berish, Sr., P; Blaine Waltimyer, Sr., 3B; Zach Brockner, Jr., P/1B; Tristan Dietrich, Jr., P/1B (Florida International); Tyler Brashear, So., P/OF; Alex Lobello, Sr., P; Kyle O’Connor, Sr., OF.

Outlook: There are certainly holes left behind by a strong 2022 class, but this year’s OJR team still has plenty returning to put it amongst the PAC favorites heading into the season, including several members from the Norchester American Legion state championship team from last summer. Senior second baseman Ethan Sabatino (All-PAC Liberty first team) and senior shortstop Dean Mihos (All-PAC Liberty second team, Coastal Carolina recruit) and a number of key arms are all back in the mix this season. “OJR returns most of last year’s team this season,” Coach Greg Gilbert said. “Staying healthy will be an important goal for the team this season. With such a competitive league, it will be imperative to be ready to play each and every game this season.” 

PERKIOMEN SCHOOL

Manager: Ken Baker, 33rd season

2021 record: 13-11 (COVID Classic runner-up)

Players to watch: TJ Khela, Sr., 3B; Carlos Quinones, Sr., C; CC Catania, Jr., OF; Shane Baird, Jr., P; Cesar Lopez, So., INF; Erick Diaz, So., OF; Henry Clausell, So., INF

Outlook: The Panthers have had several top tier arms over the years, but coach Ken Baker said this year’s pitching staff is one of his deepest groups. In lieu of a PAISAA tournament last season, Perkiomen advanced to the COVID Classic title game in 2021. They should be back in contention amongst the state’s top prep programs once again this year. “We appear to be stronger across the board from last year,” Baker said. “We have the opportunity to be a very competitive team if we are more effective at the plate. We need to be more aggressive and cut down on strikeouts, we were able to do so on our trip to Puerto Rico.

PERKIOMEN VALLEY

Manager: Ryan Hinkle, 10th season

2021 record: 10-6 PAC, 5-5 Liberty, 10-9 overall (District 1-6A first round)

Players to watch: Jack Colyer, Sr., P/INF/OF (Ithaca); Andrew McGowan, Sr., P/INF (DeSales); Ashton Mehler, Sr., P/INF (Washington College); Luke Ott, Sr., P/OF (Messiah); Michael Poruban, Jr., OF

Outlook: The Vikings lose a few pieces from their lineup from last season’s District 1 playoff squad, but they return four college-level pitchers, highlighted by first team All-Area performer Andrew McGowan. If the offense can develop over the season, and the pitching can stay consistent, this PV group has the chance to take a big step forward in 2022. “This team looks to rebound after a first round exit from district playoffs last year,” PV coach Ryan Hinkle said. “The Vikings have lost some offensive production due to graduation but look to fill those gaps with players eager to outperform last year’s group. The pitching staff will return nearly two-thirds of their total innings pitched from last year with several arms available. The PAC is the most competitive conference in the area, and the Vikings look to compete and earn a spot in the Final Four and qualify for district playoffs.”

PHOENIXVILLE

Manager: Geoff Thomas, third season (fifth overall)

2021 record: 12-4 PAC, 9-1 Frontier, 12-5 overall (Frontier champion, District 1-5A second round)

Players to watch: Drew Kingsbury, Sr., P/1B/DH; Dylan Antonini, Jr., P/OF; Hudson Narke, Jr., OF/P; Avery Schwartz, Jr., INF/P

Outlook: The Phantoms graduated three fourths of a rotation that held opponents to fewer than two runs per game a season ago and most of the top of their lineup. Senior Drew Kingsbury (All-PAC Frontier second team), the team’s top returning pitcher and hitter, leads a list of four varsity returners (three starters). Still, the Phantoms have won the last three Frontier Division crowns (2018, 2019, 2021), so it’s tough to think Phoenixville won’t be right there in the division race once again this season.

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Manager: Charles Deluzio, 3rd season

2021 record: 6-10 PAC, 5-5 Frontier

Players to watch: Nik Rubendall, Sr., OF; David Wagner, Sr., OF/P; Adam Yarrison, Sr., P/INF; Dylan Simeone, So., InF/C; Frank  Dimaio, Jr., INF/P; Brendan Kenning, Jr., 1B/P; Chase Frantz, Fr., 3B; Noah Brandt, So., OF; Aidan Sgarra, So., P/1B; TJ Boccella, So., OF

Outlook: Coach Charles Deluzio played a lot of young players last season, so almost everyone is back for the Golden Panthers. It would not be surprising to see PJP take leap forward and compete for a Frontier Division title and PAC playoff spot this season if the returning group can build off last season’s experience. PJP last won the division in 2017. “(With) everyone back, we’re looking to make a playoff run this year,” Deluzio said.

POTTSGROVE

Manager: Jamie Nash, eighth season

2021 record: 9-7 PAC, 7-3 Frontier, 11-7 overall

Players to watch: Yasir Gardner-Sizer, Sr., OF (Bucknell); JohnRyan McMenamin, Sr., OF/P; Jacob Slanker, Jr., P/OF/1B; Domenic Gerasimowicz, Sr., IF/P; Jacob Slanker, Sr., P/1B; Nick Freese, Jr., IF/P; Ryan Van Bramer P/3B; Glenwood Bubba Pysher, Jr., C; Zach Tyson, Jr., OF.

Outlook: The Falcons graduated just two starters, from a squad that once again finished behind Phoenixville in the Frontier Division standings, while they return all-league players Yasir Gardner-Sizer, JR McMenamin and Nick Freese. Pottsgrove won a District 1 playoff game for the first time in program history in 2019, and this year’s group should have a chance to match that feat. “With only graduating two starters from last season, we bring an experienced group to the table,” coach Jamie Nash said. “With a year of growth and maturity, we hope to build off last year’s success and learn from the mistakes. With the experience from last year, a plethora of quality arms, and a deep line up, we hope to continue the upward trend the program has had the past few years.”

POTTSTOWN

Manager: Chris Petro, third season

2021 record: 0-16 PAC, 0-10 Frontier, 0-16 overall

Players to watch: Enam Robinson, Sr., OF; Joey DeLeo, Sr.,1B/RF/P; Gabe Hicks, Jr., 3B/LF/P; Daniel Simons, Jr., SS/; Ethan Chin, Jr., 3B/C/RF; David Mackewicz, Jr., 3B/; Jadon Wiszumerski, Fr., SS/P; Gage Colvin, Fr., 1B/P

Outlook: It was a tough spring for the Trojans in 2021, but coach Chris Petro is hoping with a few returning pieces (two seniors, eight juniors, one sophomore) and some young players added to the team’s core, Pottstown can continue to build this season. “With only two seniors on the roster, and having previously lost an entire year of high school baseball due to the pandemic, the roster is full of young, athletic, yet inexperienced varsity players. … We have a solid group of pitchers and a decent amount of speed. Last year we pitched well, and were able to get runners on base! This year we look forward to hitting better with runners in scoring position, and backing up that good pitching with quality defense. “

SPRING-FORD

Manager: Rick Harrison, 3rd season (15th overall)

2021 record: 15-1 PAC, 10-0 Liberty, 24-5 overall (PAC champion, District 1-6A quarterfinals, PIAA semifinals)

Players to watch: Jake Books, Sr., 1B (Coastal Carolina); Griffin Straface, Sr., SS (West Chester); Aydan McNelly, Sr., 3B (Daytona State); Luke Czachor, Sr., LHP (Worcester Polytechnic Institute); Grant Klemann, Sr., 2B/RHP; Brian Korchok, Jr., OF; Dylan Broderick, Jr., RHP; Scott Renk, Sr., DH/RHP (SUNY Cobleskills); Gage Swanger, Sr., OF/RHP; Ryan Garvey, Sr., OF; Cooper Stone, Sr., OF; Nick Flores, So., UT; Ryan Cecconi, So., C; Micah Seitzinger, So., C; Nick Moyer. Jr.

Outlook: The Rams graduated 12 players from their 2021 PAC championships squad, but bring back three fourths of their infield and top four spots of their lineup in seniors Jake Books, Griffin Straface and Aydan McNelly — all All-Area selections. Lefty Luke Czachor gave the Rams some really good innings in the postseason a year ago, but pitching will be the big question mark as this group should be able to put up runs once again. “We have a lot of competition for outfield, catcher and pitching rotation,” coach Rick Harrison said. “Pitchers will need to mature quickly against a very tough non-league schedule and PAC division to be competitive. … If we can play the game the right way and continue to progress, we hope to be playing into May.”

UPPER MERION

Manager: Matt Mitchell, 11th season

2021 record: 2-14 PAC, 2-8 Frontier, 2-15 overall

Players to watch: Brad Zielinski, Sr., P/2B/SS; Nick Hutchinson, Sr., P/1B/OF; Oscar Brenes, Jr., P/OF; Gus Costello, Sr., P/INF/OF

Outlook: The Vikings return four top-of-the-lineup guys from the 2021 squad, including Brad Zielinski (All-PAC Frontier first team), Nick Hutchinson (second team) and Oscar Brenes (second team). Upper Merion was able to score a little bit last season, but pitching and defense hurt the Vikings. The Vikings return their middle infield and have a few arms back, which should help them be more competitive in 2022.

UPPER PERKIOMEN

Manager: Frank Mercon, 12th season

2021 record: 9-7 PAC, 7-3 Frontier 9-7 overall

Players to watch: Ian Ferrero, Jr., INF; Devlin Kranich, Jr., DH; Nathan Reinhart, Sr., IF/P; Evan Wittig, Jr., P; Blake Gehman, Jr., P;

Outlook: Upper Perkiomen started out with a bang last season by starting out 2-0 in Frontier play after a win over eventual division champion Phoenixville. The Indians couldn’t maintain that early season momentum but they showed some signs of a future contender. Ian Ferrero (first) and Devlin Kranich (second) were both All-PAC Frontier selections as sophomores. With a strong class of 2023 leading the way and a talented group of sophomores now in the mix, the Indians should be able to find themselves in the division race.