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2008 Herald Times Baseball Preview
By Jeremy Speer, HT Sports Editor
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 2:14 PM EDT
The 2008 Gaylord Herald Times Baseball Preview: Gaylord Blue Devils, St. Mary Snowbirds, Vanderbilt Yellowjackets, J-L Cardinals, Grayling Vikings and Wolverine Wildcats
Gaylord Blue Devils
GAYLORD — Gaylord baseball coach Jeromey Cosby knows he’ll have the pitching and thinks he’ll have the hitting.
But for the Blue Devils to succeed, they’ll have to excel in the fielding department.
“It all boils down to if we can catch and throw the ball,” Cosby said. “Our pitchers did a phenomenal job of keeping us in the game last year. Our defense just fell flat on its face. We committed error after error.”
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Cosby is hoping the return of senior shortstop Tom Franckowiak will help anchor the infield.
Franckowiak, who already has 2 1/2 years of varsity experience under his belt, is coming off a football knee injury that required surgery. He, however, appears to be in full health.
“He is a leader by example,” Cosby said.
Gaylord will rely heavily on its five-man senior class, that also includes catcher Jake Vaporis, first baseman Tim Schlaufman, outfielder Kyle Hervela and second baseman Devin O’Rourke. All five have improved in the offseason and should see considerable playing time.
One area Cosby knows he can count on is the pitching staff.
Juniors Taylor Ciszewski and Greg Prusakiewicz and Franckowiak all saw time in the rotation last season and pitched well. But with pitchers Tim Kapeller and Ellis Raatz having graduated, all three will see extended innings this season.
With only 11 players coming out for the varsity team, Cosby had to address depth through underclassmen, so he brought up sophomores Chad Samkowiak and Zach Vaporis and freshman Jake Cuca.
Samkowiak will see time on the mound and Vaporis behind the plate and in the outfield, while Cuca appears to be a natural in the infield.
“They’re all going to see playing time,” Cosby said. “I don’t like bringing up kids just to sit on the bench.”
Cosby said Schlaufman has been “ripping the ball” in early-season workouts. Other expected strong hitters include Frankowiak, Hervela, Ciszewski, James Wagner, Mitch Hintz and Cuca.
“Our hitting is ahead of where it was last year at this point,” Cosby said.
Juniors Andy Cope and Bobby Krajewski will add depth for the Blue Devils.
Gaylord will need to avoid injuries to compete in the tough Big North Conference, where Alpena, Traverse City West, Traverse City Central and Petoskey are all expecting strong squads.
Roster & Schedule:
2 Devin O’Rourke Sr. IF
3 Zach Vaporis So. C/OF
4 Chad Samkowiak So. P
6 Tom Franckowiak Sr. IF/P
7 Andy Cope Jr. IF
9 Bobby Krajewski Jr. OF
10 Taylor Ciszewski Jr. P/IF
11 James Wagner Jr. OF
13 Greg Prusakiewicz Jr. P/IF
14 Mitch Hintz Jr. OF
15 Jake Vaporis Sr. C
16 Tim Schlaufman Sr. IF
18 Jake Cuca Fr. IF
27 Kyle Hervela Sr. OF
Coach: Jeromey Cosby
Apr. 10 East Jordan
Apr. 11 Gladwin
Apr. 15 Traverse City West
Apr. 17 Rogers City
Apr. 22 Cadillac
Apr. 24 Grayling
Apr. 26 Boyne City Invitational
Apr. 29 Petoskey
May 1 Cheboygan
May 2 Ogemaw Heights
May 6 Alpena
May 8 Sault Ste. Marie
May 10 Saginaw Nouvel Invitational
May 13 Traverse City Central
May 19 Kalkaska
May 23 Rudyard
May 24 Escanaba
(Italic denotes home)
J-L Cardinals
JOHANNESBURG — Back under the radar.
It’s a position the Johannesburg-Lewiston baseball team is much more comfortable in.
It wasn’t the case last season, when high expectations and a 17-0 start gave the Cardinals a high state ranking and all the attention that comes with it.
The season didn’t start as it finished, however, as the Cardinals found stiff competition in the rugged Ski Valley Conference and lost in the first game of what was Class D’s best district.
This year’s J-L team more resembles that of 2006, which used an underdog mentality to win conference and district titles.
“(The high ranking) is the worst thing that can happen to a group of kids,” said J-L coach Rick Guild. “We were 17-0 but I didn’t think we had played well. This year, I think we will actually surprise a lot of people.”
Yes, the Cardinals lost some good players like all-state Aaron Newell and all-conference Mark Owens, but the cupboard is far from bare.
One of Guild’s best and hardest-working senior classes ever is what remains and if the Cardinals are to find success, it will be because of this group.
“It’s a luxury to have a group of kids like this,” Guild said. “This is the best winter we’ve ever had. These kids are true baseball players who have excellent fundamentals.”
Senior catcher Nick Raffin returns after putting together an all-state season last year. The four-year hits for a high average and is a powerful stick in the middle of the lineup.
Senior Tyler Smith is another three-year varsity player who acts as another coach on the field. One of the Cardinals’ top pitchers, Smith will also see time in the middle infield.
“He’s as knowledgeable of a baseball player as you’ll find in Northern Michigan,” Guild said.
Senior Brad VanCoillie is entering his fourth season on varsity and has a lot of pitching experience. He will also play middle infield when not pitching.
Speedy Mitch Reed had a strong season at center field last year, but could also see time on the infield as well while hard-working senior Stan Kwapis is a good hitter who will serve as a captain in the outfield.
Guild said he was impressed with the offseason of senior Drew Kapture, who will again anchor first base.
Other seniors include Nathan Robertson, who could play some third base and Josh Amborski, going out for baseball for the first time.
There isn’t as much depth in J-L’s junior class, but Guild said he expects steady contributions from Ty Knapp, Nick Hardy and Derek Smith. Matt Koronka will back up Raffin at catcher while Scott Rohn will add depth in the infield.
Pitching may be the Cardinals’ biggest question mark, but VanCoillie and Smith were part of an excellent rotation the past few seasons that also included Newell and Owens. Reed and Knapp will see increased time on the mound this year.
“Everyone says we won’t be a great pitching team, but I think that’s where we will surprise some people,” Guild said. “If we play good defense and hit well it will be a fun year.”
It will for sure be a tough year in the Ski Valley, where Guild listed Mancelona, Inland Lakes, Central Lake and Pellston.
“Those four teams will be the frontrunners.”
Roster & Schedule:
Josh Amborski Sr. OF
Nick Hardy Jr. OF
Drew Kapture Sr. IF
Ty Knapp Jr. IF
Matt Koronka Jr. C
Stan Kwapis Sr. OF
Nick Raffin Sr. C
Scott Rahn Jr. IF
Mitch Reed Sr. IF/OF
Nate Robertson Sr. IF
Derek Smith Jr. OF
Tyler Smith Sr. P/IF
Brad VanCoillie Sr. P/IF
Coach: Rick Guild
Apr. 10 Rudyard
Apr. 14 Onaway
Apr. 17 St. Mary
Apr. 21 Mancelona
Apr. 24 Bellaire
Apr. 28 Forest Area
May 1 Inland Lakes
May 3 Ellsworth Invitational
May 5 Hale
May 8 Central Lake
May 10 J-L Tournament
May 12 Grayling
May 15 Pellston
May 19 Posen
May 20 Fairview
(Italic denotes home doubleheader)
St. Mary Snowbirds
GAYLORD — The St. Mary baseball team graduated an excellent senior class last season.
Robert DeLong, Bryan Cook, Jimmy Myler and Andy Borowiak were a successful group who had many good moments with the Snowbirds.
How the team will fill their absence, especially in the pitching department, may determine St. Mary’s fate in a strong Ski Valley Conference.
“We have some holes to fill obviously,” said coach Matt Nowicki. “Hitting will be huge. If we can hit the ball well, we’ll be in good shape.”
St. Mary definitely has some strong returning players, including senior pitcher Jared Davis.
Davis is a dependable ace who continues to improve and will throw as many conference innings as he’s allowed.
Unfortunately for Nowicki, Ski Valley games are doubleheaders, meaning the Snowbirds will need somebody else to step up.
Among the candidates vying for time in the rotation are seniors Aaron Burzynski and Matt Foster and junior Cody Roberts.
“We have a lot of pitchers who really haven’t logged a lot of innings,” Nowicki said.
Nowicki does think his team will be solid in the field.
When he is healthy, senior Seth Reichard is an excellent catcher, while Burzynski filled in nicely in his absence last season.
Foster will anchor the first-base spot and Davis, Roberts and Burzynski will contribute on the infield. The Snowbirds are looking for someone to take Cook’s center field spot, but junior Austin Lawnichak is an excellent athlete and should fill in well.
“I’m not terribly concerned about the defense,” Nowicki said. “We have some capable athletes.”
Foster, a four-year varsity player who offers solid power, is expected to lead the offense.
“It’s not we hope he hits, it is that we need him to hit,” Nowicki said.
Burzynski, Roberts and Reichard have all had success swinging the bat, while Nowicki is looking for contributions from players like seniors Will Tomaski and Joe DeFelice and Lawnichak.
Nowicki knows he’s in for a challenge in the Ski Valley, where Johannesburg-Lewiston, Mancelona, Inland Lakes and Pellston are all expected to field strong squads.
“We hope to be somewhere in that mix,” he said.
Roster & Schedule:
Travis Becker Jr.
Aaron Burzynski Sr.
Jared Davis Sr.
Joe DeFelice Sr.
Matt Foster Sr.
Austin Lawnichak Jr.
Nick Purgiel Jr.
Seth Reichard Sr.
Cody Roberts Sr.
Myles Sides Sr.
Alvin Sitkiewicz Sr.
Ben Taylor Sr.
Will Tomaski Sr.
Coach: Matt Nowicki
Apr. 10 Boyne Falls
Apr. 11 Harbor Light Christian
Apr. 14 Pellston
Apr. 17 Joburg-Lewiston
Apr. 24 Forest Area
Apr. 28 Onaway
May 1 Mancelona
May 2 Boyne City
May 5 Vanderbilt
May 8 Inland Lakes
May 9 East Jordan
May 13 Ellsworth
May 15 Central Lake
May 17 Sacred Heart Tourney
May 19 Bellaire
May 23 Hillman
(Italic denotes home)
Vanderbilt Yellowjackets
VANDERBILT — In a small school, it is always tough losing a good senior class.
The Vanderbilt baseball team is in a rebuilding mode this year after graduating one of its best classes in recent memory.
Still, coach Brian Webber is optimistic about the future and knows he has a few seniors to lean on.
“We won’t be great but we’ll be OK,” Webber said. “We’re young and have a lot of inexperience, but we have some potential.”
Pitchers Charles Ormsbee and Jeremiah Hibbler will lead the Yellowjackets, along with outfielder Tony Heintz. All three have extensive experience and will look to be key batters. Both Ormsbee and Hibbler will play the infield when not pitching.
Webber doesn’t expect hitting to be much of a problem and he thinks his pitchers will do well. Fielding is the big question mark.
“That seems to always be our nemesis,” he said. “It’s something that we continue to work on.”
Youngsters for Vanderbilt who will could see time at pitcher include junior Roger Cole, sophomores Eric Webber and Steve Snider and freshman Cody Hunter. Webber is a talented player who will likely play in the outfield.
Freshman Travis Ormsbee, Hunter and Snider will split the catching duties.
Webber said he is very excited about his underclassmen.
“Not that we won’t do OK this year, but we’ll be pretty good in the future,” Webber said.
Harbor Light Christian and Mackinaw City appear to be the frontrunners in the Northern Lakes Conference, with the next rung of teams appearing somewhat even.
Once they finally get outside, Webber expects rapid improvement.
“Our season is too short that sometimes we’re just starting to blossom around the districts,” he said. “I think we’ll be a strong hitting team, we just have to shape up our defense.”
Roster & Schedule:
Roger Cole Jr.
Ben Coultes Sr.
Jim Heintz Fr.
Tony Heintz Sr.
Cody Hunter Fr.
Filippo Mannino Soph.
Charles Ormsbee, Jr. Sr.
Travis Ormsbee Fr.
Tyler Parkman Fr.
Nathan Peterson Jr.
Steve Snider Soph.
Josh Tillman Fr.
Eric Webber Soph.
Marvin Weber Sr.
Coach: Brian Webber
Apr. 12 Pickford
Apr. 17 Hillman
Apr. 18 Vanderbilt Tournament
Apr. 21 Mackinaw City
Apr. 24 Boyne Falls
Apr. 28 Ellsworth
May 5 St. Mary
May 8 Alanson
May 12 Onaway
May 15 Harbor Light Christian
May 16 Eben Superior Central
May 19 Wolverine
May 20 Pickford
(Italic denotes home doubleheader)
Grayling Vikings
GRAYLING — They won 11 of their last 12 games last season and return nearly everybody.
There is plenty of optimism surrounding the Grayling baseball team this season.
However, coach John Schneider prefers to be low-key when considering his team’s chances in the upcoming year.
“We have a lot of potential but we’d like to fly under the radar,” Schneider said. “It depends on how hard the kids work.”
The Vikings certainly worked hard in the Lake Michigan Conference slate, where they finished 8-6 and split with every team except for league-champion Elk Rapids.
That was done with a squad that featured just one senior in their every-day lineup.
“We should be in the upper portion of the conference, depending on how we play defense.”
Schneider beams when he talks about senior pitcher Richie Schreiber, whom he calls “one of the best pitchers in northern Michigan.” Schreiber will lead a staff that also includes sophomore Taylor Desenfants, who was solid as a freshman.
In addition to Schreiber, Grayling also returns a pair of hitters who were all-conference and all-district. Senior Rocky McNamara will play first base and provides plenty of power, while senior Josh Stapleton is a speedy centerfielder who led the squad in batting average.
Other key returners include steady senior rightfielder Ethan Neuberger, catcher/third baseman Eric Ferrigan and junior utility player Jake Aubry.
Schneider said he is also excited about junior catcher Geo Bindschatel, who played junior varsity last season.
The team appears ready to at least contend for a Lake Michigan title.
Last season, in their only doubleheader sweep of the conference season, Schreiber was gone with pneumonia.
Still, Schneider isn’t about to gush, at least until the season starts. He’ll let the team’s play on the field do all the talking.
“We’ll be a decent team,” he conceded.
Grayling opens its season Wednesday at Big Rapids.
Roster & Schedule:
1 Andy Hulbert Sr. OF
2 Josh Stapleton Sr. OF
3 Tyler Hansen So. OF/P
7 James Osga Jr. IF
9 Geo Bindschatel Jr. C/IF
10 Lucas Pippin Sr. OF
14 Sean Hernandez Jr. OF
15 Ethan Neuberger Sr. OF
17 Richard Schreiber Sr. P/IF
20 Peter Alexander Jr. OF
26 Eric Ferrigan Jr. IF/C
27 Jake Aubry Jr. IF
31 Rocky McNamara Sr. IF/P
32 Alex Gabriel Jr. IF
33 Taylor Desenfants So. P/IF
46 Spencer Dean Jr. OF
52 Mike Davis Jr. OF
Coach: John Schneider
Apr. 11 Kalkaska
Apr. 12 Cadillac Tournament
Apr. 15 Boyne City
Apr. 18 East Jordan
Apr. 22 Harbor Springs
Apr. 24 Gaylord
Apr. 26 Standish-Sterling Tourney
Apr. 29 Traverse City St. Francis
May 6 Charlevoix
May 8 Lincoln-Alcona
May 10 Grayling Tournament
May 12 Johannesburg-Lewiston
May 13 Elk Rapids
May 16 Houghton Lake
May 19 Roscommon
May 20 Alpena
May 24 Alpena Tournament
(Italic denotes home)
Wolverine Wildcats
WOLVERINE — When Al Thomas took the baseball job at Wolverine, the cupboard was bare.
It was so bare that only one or two played had ever played organized baseball before coming out for varsity.
The Wildcats have taken their expected lumps, but there is a little more excitement in the air as Thomas begins his third season.
“We’re starting to get kids coming up who have played Little League,” Thomas said. “This group really grew a lot last year and we were able to hang in some games. I think we’ll definitely be more competitive and win more games.”
Wolverine’s only victory last season came against Vanderbilt, but the Wildcats figure to be much more competitive in the Northern Lakes Conference.
Harbor Light Christian and Mackinaw City are expected to be some of the conference’s better teams.
Sophomore Alex VandenHoek returns as the team’s top pitcher, while senior Robbie Bauer and junior Eric Purgiel will share time on the mound.
Thomas also knows he can count on junior Justin Evans, who has played just about every position. Freshman Ryse Brink also gained experience as an eighth-grader last season and should show improvement.
“Our goal is to finish at least third in the conference,” Thomas said. “A lot of the teams we played with last year lost some people.”
Thomas said he has some good athletes who just need a little refining to become good baseball players. Many of these players experienced success on the basketball court this season and Thomas hopes it can translate onto the diamond.
“Our athleticism is our strength,” he said. “It’s just that we have some unpolished raw talent.”
Roster & Schedule:
Rob Bauer Sr.
Ryse Brink Fr.
Justin Evans Jr.
Levi Green Fr.
George Lawrence Jr.
Eric Purgiel Jr.
Chase Scott Fr.
Ben Small Jr.
Alex VandenHoek Soph.
Coach: Al Thomas
Assistants: Scott Weston, Brent Sturtevant
Apr. 10 Atlanta
Apr. 12 Brimley
Apr. 15 Inland Lakes J.V.
Apr. 17 Rudyard J.V.
Apr. 21 Ellsworth
Apr. 24 Mackinaw City
Apr. 28 Alanson
May 1 Boyne Falls
May 3 Wolverine Tournament
May 8 Harbor Light Christian
May 13 Pickford
May 15 Alba
May 19 Vanderbilt
(Italic denotes home doubleheader)
Franckowiak, who already has 2 1/2 years of varsity experience under his belt, is coming off a football knee injury that required surgery. He, however, appears to be in full health.
“He is a leader by example,” Cosby said.
Gaylord will rely heavily on its five-man senior class, that also includes catcher Jake Vaporis, first baseman Tim Schlaufman, outfielder Kyle Hervela and second baseman Devin O’Rourke. All five have improved in the offseason and should see considerable playing time.
One area Cosby knows he can count on is the pitching staff.
Juniors Taylor Ciszewski and Greg Prusakiewicz and Franckowiak all saw time in the rotation last season and pitched well. But with pitchers Tim Kapeller and Ellis Raatz having graduated, all three will see extended innings this season.
With only 11 players coming out for the varsity team, Cosby had to address depth through underclassmen, so he brought up sophomores Chad Samkowiak and Zach Vaporis and freshman Jake Cuca.
Samkowiak will see time on the mound and Vaporis behind the plate and in the outfield, while Cuca appears to be a natural in the infield.
“They’re all going to see playing time,” Cosby said. “I don’t like bringing up kids just to sit on the bench.”
Cosby said Schlaufman has been “ripping the ball” in early-season workouts. Other expected strong hitters include Frankowiak, Hervela, Ciszewski, James Wagner, Mitch Hintz and Cuca.
“Our hitting is ahead of where it was last year at this point,” Cosby said.
Juniors Andy Cope and Bobby Krajewski will add depth for the Blue Devils.
Gaylord will need to avoid injuries to compete in the tough Big North Conference, where Alpena, Traverse City West, Traverse City Central and Petoskey are all expecting strong squads.
Roster & Schedule:
2 Devin O’Rourke Sr. IF
3 Zach Vaporis So. C/OF
4 Chad Samkowiak So. P
6 Tom Franckowiak Sr. IF/P
7 Andy Cope Jr. IF
9 Bobby Krajewski Jr. OF
10 Taylor Ciszewski Jr. P/IF
11 James Wagner Jr. OF
13 Greg Prusakiewicz Jr. P/IF
14 Mitch Hintz Jr. OF
15 Jake Vaporis Sr. C
16 Tim Schlaufman Sr. IF
18 Jake Cuca Fr. IF
27 Kyle Hervela Sr. OF
Coach: Jeromey Cosby
Apr. 10 East Jordan
Apr. 11 Gladwin
Apr. 15 Traverse City West
Apr. 17 Rogers City
Apr. 22 Cadillac
Apr. 24 Grayling
Apr. 26 Boyne City Invitational
Apr. 29 Petoskey
May 1 Cheboygan
May 2 Ogemaw Heights
May 6 Alpena
May 8 Sault Ste. Marie
May 10 Saginaw Nouvel Invitational
May 13 Traverse City Central
May 19 Kalkaska
May 23 Rudyard
May 24 Escanaba
(Italic denotes home)
J-L Cardinals
JOHANNESBURG — Back under the radar.
It’s a position the Johannesburg-Lewiston baseball team is much more comfortable in.
It wasn’t the case last season, when high expectations and a 17-0 start gave the Cardinals a high state ranking and all the attention that comes with it.
The season didn’t start as it finished, however, as the Cardinals found stiff competition in the rugged Ski Valley Conference and lost in the first game of what was Class D’s best district.
This year’s J-L team more resembles that of 2006, which used an underdog mentality to win conference and district titles.
“(The high ranking) is the worst thing that can happen to a group of kids,” said J-L coach Rick Guild. “We were 17-0 but I didn’t think we had played well. This year, I think we will actually surprise a lot of people.”
Yes, the Cardinals lost some good players like all-state Aaron Newell and all-conference Mark Owens, but the cupboard is far from bare.
One of Guild’s best and hardest-working senior classes ever is what remains and if the Cardinals are to find success, it will be because of this group.
“It’s a luxury to have a group of kids like this,” Guild said. “This is the best winter we’ve ever had. These kids are true baseball players who have excellent fundamentals.”
Senior catcher Nick Raffin returns after putting together an all-state season last year. The four-year hits for a high average and is a powerful stick in the middle of the lineup.
Senior Tyler Smith is another three-year varsity player who acts as another coach on the field. One of the Cardinals’ top pitchers, Smith will also see time in the middle infield.
“He’s as knowledgeable of a baseball player as you’ll find in Northern Michigan,” Guild said.
Senior Brad VanCoillie is entering his fourth season on varsity and has a lot of pitching experience. He will also play middle infield when not pitching.
Speedy Mitch Reed had a strong season at center field last year, but could also see time on the infield as well while hard-working senior Stan Kwapis is a good hitter who will serve as a captain in the outfield.
Guild said he was impressed with the offseason of senior Drew Kapture, who will again anchor first base.
Other seniors include Nathan Robertson, who could play some third base and Josh Amborski, going out for baseball for the first time.
There isn’t as much depth in J-L’s junior class, but Guild said he expects steady contributions from Ty Knapp, Nick Hardy and Derek Smith. Matt Koronka will back up Raffin at catcher while Scott Rohn will add depth in the infield.
Pitching may be the Cardinals’ biggest question mark, but VanCoillie and Smith were part of an excellent rotation the past few seasons that also included Newell and Owens. Reed and Knapp will see increased time on the mound this year.
“Everyone says we won’t be a great pitching team, but I think that’s where we will surprise some people,” Guild said. “If we play good defense and hit well it will be a fun year.”
It will for sure be a tough year in the Ski Valley, where Guild listed Mancelona, Inland Lakes, Central Lake and Pellston.
“Those four teams will be the frontrunners.”
Roster & Schedule:
Josh Amborski Sr. OF
Nick Hardy Jr. OF
Drew Kapture Sr. IF
Ty Knapp Jr. IF
Matt Koronka Jr. C
Stan Kwapis Sr. OF
Nick Raffin Sr. C
Scott Rahn Jr. IF
Mitch Reed Sr. IF/OF
Nate Robertson Sr. IF
Derek Smith Jr. OF
Tyler Smith Sr. P/IF
Brad VanCoillie Sr. P/IF
Coach: Rick Guild
Apr. 10 Rudyard
Apr. 14 Onaway
Apr. 17 St. Mary
Apr. 21 Mancelona
Apr. 24 Bellaire
Apr. 28 Forest Area
May 1 Inland Lakes
May 3 Ellsworth Invitational
May 5 Hale
May 8 Central Lake
May 10 J-L Tournament
May 12 Grayling
May 15 Pellston
May 19 Posen
May 20 Fairview
(Italic denotes home doubleheader)
St. Mary Snowbirds
GAYLORD — The St. Mary baseball team graduated an excellent senior class last season.
Robert DeLong, Bryan Cook, Jimmy Myler and Andy Borowiak were a successful group who had many good moments with the Snowbirds.
How the team will fill their absence, especially in the pitching department, may determine St. Mary’s fate in a strong Ski Valley Conference.
“We have some holes to fill obviously,” said coach Matt Nowicki. “Hitting will be huge. If we can hit the ball well, we’ll be in good shape.”
St. Mary definitely has some strong returning players, including senior pitcher Jared Davis.
Davis is a dependable ace who continues to improve and will throw as many conference innings as he’s allowed.
Unfortunately for Nowicki, Ski Valley games are doubleheaders, meaning the Snowbirds will need somebody else to step up.
Among the candidates vying for time in the rotation are seniors Aaron Burzynski and Matt Foster and junior Cody Roberts.
“We have a lot of pitchers who really haven’t logged a lot of innings,” Nowicki said.
Nowicki does think his team will be solid in the field.
When he is healthy, senior Seth Reichard is an excellent catcher, while Burzynski filled in nicely in his absence last season.
Foster will anchor the first-base spot and Davis, Roberts and Burzynski will contribute on the infield. The Snowbirds are looking for someone to take Cook’s center field spot, but junior Austin Lawnichak is an excellent athlete and should fill in well.
“I’m not terribly concerned about the defense,” Nowicki said. “We have some capable athletes.”
Foster, a four-year varsity player who offers solid power, is expected to lead the offense.
“It’s not we hope he hits, it is that we need him to hit,” Nowicki said.
Burzynski, Roberts and Reichard have all had success swinging the bat, while Nowicki is looking for contributions from players like seniors Will Tomaski and Joe DeFelice and Lawnichak.
Nowicki knows he’s in for a challenge in the Ski Valley, where Johannesburg-Lewiston, Mancelona, Inland Lakes and Pellston are all expected to field strong squads.
“We hope to be somewhere in that mix,” he said.
Roster & Schedule:
Travis Becker Jr.
Aaron Burzynski Sr.
Jared Davis Sr.
Joe DeFelice Sr.
Matt Foster Sr.
Austin Lawnichak Jr.
Nick Purgiel Jr.
Seth Reichard Sr.
Cody Roberts Sr.
Myles Sides Sr.
Alvin Sitkiewicz Sr.
Ben Taylor Sr.
Will Tomaski Sr.
Coach: Matt Nowicki
Apr. 10 Boyne Falls
Apr. 11 Harbor Light Christian
Apr. 14 Pellston
Apr. 17 Joburg-Lewiston
Apr. 24 Forest Area
Apr. 28 Onaway
May 1 Mancelona
May 2 Boyne City
May 5 Vanderbilt
May 8 Inland Lakes
May 9 East Jordan
May 13 Ellsworth
May 15 Central Lake
May 17 Sacred Heart Tourney
May 19 Bellaire
May 23 Hillman
(Italic denotes home)
Vanderbilt Yellowjackets
VANDERBILT — In a small school, it is always tough losing a good senior class.
The Vanderbilt baseball team is in a rebuilding mode this year after graduating one of its best classes in recent memory.
Still, coach Brian Webber is optimistic about the future and knows he has a few seniors to lean on.
“We won’t be great but we’ll be OK,” Webber said. “We’re young and have a lot of inexperience, but we have some potential.”
Pitchers Charles Ormsbee and Jeremiah Hibbler will lead the Yellowjackets, along with outfielder Tony Heintz. All three have extensive experience and will look to be key batters. Both Ormsbee and Hibbler will play the infield when not pitching.
Webber doesn’t expect hitting to be much of a problem and he thinks his pitchers will do well. Fielding is the big question mark.
“That seems to always be our nemesis,” he said. “It’s something that we continue to work on.”
Youngsters for Vanderbilt who will could see time at pitcher include junior Roger Cole, sophomores Eric Webber and Steve Snider and freshman Cody Hunter. Webber is a talented player who will likely play in the outfield.
Freshman Travis Ormsbee, Hunter and Snider will split the catching duties.
Webber said he is very excited about his underclassmen.
“Not that we won’t do OK this year, but we’ll be pretty good in the future,” Webber said.
Harbor Light Christian and Mackinaw City appear to be the frontrunners in the Northern Lakes Conference, with the next rung of teams appearing somewhat even.
Once they finally get outside, Webber expects rapid improvement.
“Our season is too short that sometimes we’re just starting to blossom around the districts,” he said. “I think we’ll be a strong hitting team, we just have to shape up our defense.”
Roster & Schedule:
Roger Cole Jr.
Ben Coultes Sr.
Jim Heintz Fr.
Tony Heintz Sr.
Cody Hunter Fr.
Filippo Mannino Soph.
Charles Ormsbee, Jr. Sr.
Travis Ormsbee Fr.
Tyler Parkman Fr.
Nathan Peterson Jr.
Steve Snider Soph.
Josh Tillman Fr.
Eric Webber Soph.
Marvin Weber Sr.
Coach: Brian Webber
Apr. 12 Pickford
Apr. 17 Hillman
Apr. 18 Vanderbilt Tournament
Apr. 21 Mackinaw City
Apr. 24 Boyne Falls
Apr. 28 Ellsworth
May 5 St. Mary
May 8 Alanson
May 12 Onaway
May 15 Harbor Light Christian
May 16 Eben Superior Central
May 19 Wolverine
May 20 Pickford
(Italic denotes home doubleheader)
Grayling Vikings
GRAYLING — They won 11 of their last 12 games last season and return nearly everybody.
There is plenty of optimism surrounding the Grayling baseball team this season.
However, coach John Schneider prefers to be low-key when considering his team’s chances in the upcoming year.
“We have a lot of potential but we’d like to fly under the radar,” Schneider said. “It depends on how hard the kids work.”
The Vikings certainly worked hard in the Lake Michigan Conference slate, where they finished 8-6 and split with every team except for league-champion Elk Rapids.
That was done with a squad that featured just one senior in their every-day lineup.
“We should be in the upper portion of the conference, depending on how we play defense.”
Schneider beams when he talks about senior pitcher Richie Schreiber, whom he calls “one of the best pitchers in northern Michigan.” Schreiber will lead a staff that also includes sophomore Taylor Desenfants, who was solid as a freshman.
In addition to Schreiber, Grayling also returns a pair of hitters who were all-conference and all-district. Senior Rocky McNamara will play first base and provides plenty of power, while senior Josh Stapleton is a speedy centerfielder who led the squad in batting average.
Other key returners include steady senior rightfielder Ethan Neuberger, catcher/third baseman Eric Ferrigan and junior utility player Jake Aubry.
Schneider said he is also excited about junior catcher Geo Bindschatel, who played junior varsity last season.
The team appears ready to at least contend for a Lake Michigan title.
Last season, in their only doubleheader sweep of the conference season, Schreiber was gone with pneumonia.
Still, Schneider isn’t about to gush, at least until the season starts. He’ll let the team’s play on the field do all the talking.
“We’ll be a decent team,” he conceded.
Grayling opens its season Wednesday at Big Rapids.
Roster & Schedule:
1 Andy Hulbert Sr. OF
2 Josh Stapleton Sr. OF
3 Tyler Hansen So. OF/P
7 James Osga Jr. IF
9 Geo Bindschatel Jr. C/IF
10 Lucas Pippin Sr. OF
14 Sean Hernandez Jr. OF
15 Ethan Neuberger Sr. OF
17 Richard Schreiber Sr. P/IF
20 Peter Alexander Jr. OF
26 Eric Ferrigan Jr. IF/C
27 Jake Aubry Jr. IF
31 Rocky McNamara Sr. IF/P
32 Alex Gabriel Jr. IF
33 Taylor Desenfants So. P/IF
46 Spencer Dean Jr. OF
52 Mike Davis Jr. OF
Coach: John Schneider
Apr. 11 Kalkaska
Apr. 12 Cadillac Tournament
Apr. 15 Boyne City
Apr. 18 East Jordan
Apr. 22 Harbor Springs
Apr. 24 Gaylord
Apr. 26 Standish-Sterling Tourney
Apr. 29 Traverse City St. Francis
May 6 Charlevoix
May 8 Lincoln-Alcona
May 10 Grayling Tournament
May 12 Johannesburg-Lewiston
May 13 Elk Rapids
May 16 Houghton Lake
May 19 Roscommon
May 20 Alpena
May 24 Alpena Tournament
(Italic denotes home)
Wolverine Wildcats
WOLVERINE — When Al Thomas took the baseball job at Wolverine, the cupboard was bare.
It was so bare that only one or two played had ever played organized baseball before coming out for varsity.
The Wildcats have taken their expected lumps, but there is a little more excitement in the air as Thomas begins his third season.
“We’re starting to get kids coming up who have played Little League,” Thomas said. “This group really grew a lot last year and we were able to hang in some games. I think we’ll definitely be more competitive and win more games.”
Wolverine’s only victory last season came against Vanderbilt, but the Wildcats figure to be much more competitive in the Northern Lakes Conference.
Harbor Light Christian and Mackinaw City are expected to be some of the conference’s better teams.
Sophomore Alex VandenHoek returns as the team’s top pitcher, while senior Robbie Bauer and junior Eric Purgiel will share time on the mound.
Thomas also knows he can count on junior Justin Evans, who has played just about every position. Freshman Ryse Brink also gained experience as an eighth-grader last season and should show improvement.
“Our goal is to finish at least third in the conference,” Thomas said. “A lot of the teams we played with last year lost some people.”
Thomas said he has some good athletes who just need a little refining to become good baseball players. Many of these players experienced success on the basketball court this season and Thomas hopes it can translate onto the diamond.
“Our athleticism is our strength,” he said. “It’s just that we have some unpolished raw talent.”
Roster & Schedule:
Rob Bauer Sr.
Ryse Brink Fr.
Justin Evans Jr.
Levi Green Fr.
George Lawrence Jr.
Eric Purgiel Jr.
Chase Scott Fr.
Ben Small Jr.
Alex VandenHoek Soph.
Coach: Al Thomas
Assistants: Scott Weston, Brent Sturtevant
Apr. 10 Atlanta
Apr. 12 Brimley
Apr. 15 Inland Lakes J.V.
Apr. 17 Rudyard J.V.
Apr. 21 Ellsworth
Apr. 24 Mackinaw City
Apr. 28 Alanson
May 1 Boyne Falls
May 3 Wolverine Tournament
May 8 Harbor Light Christian
May 13 Pickford
May 15 Alba
May 19 Vanderbilt
(Italic denotes home doubleheader)
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