The defending leaguechampion Seaholm Boys Varsity Baseball team will kick off their jam-packed schedule with an April 14 bout with the Harrison Hawks at Maple Field.
Reigning team MVP, senior Greg Schwartz, is optimistic about the season.
“We are expecting to do big things this year.”
Junior Bobby Willen cannot wait.
“I just want the games to start,” said Willen. “I am excited for the season.”
Graduation certainly took its toll on this Maple squad, most notably ace pitcher Tyler Haggerson, who currently plays college baseball for Hillsdale.
“He was our best pitcher,” said Willen. “He pitched in a lot of big games for us, so we need other pitchers to replace him now.”
Other notable losses to graduation are Bryan O’Connor, Kevin Crimmins, and Ryan Miner.
Schwartz feels that a new group of players are ready to fill the void that the departing class of 2009 created.
“It was tough losing the seniors but we have people who are ready to step up and do their job.”
Graduation aside, junior catcher Keaton Aldridge will be absent from the diamond this spring, as he will be attending high school in Alabama.
Senior Luke Brinton will have to replace a solid position from last year, going behind the plate in substitution for Aldridge.
“Luke will have to step in for Keaton,” said Willen.
Schwartz is clear about where he would like to see this team end up when June rolls around.
“Our goal is to make it to states in Battle Creek.”
For a team with this many new players and uncertain production at multiple positions, this goal, while optimistic, seems like it is going to be a tough journey.
One team that always seems to stand in the Maples way is the perennially strong Brother Rice Warriors, a regular district foe.
Last year Seaholm hung around for a few innings before a big rally took them out of the game in a 7-1 loss.
Rice will definitely hurt from the loss of ace pitcher Matt Conway, who currently plays for Wake Forest. Still, Rice is the type of team that seems to reload every year
Adding to the rivalry, Seaholm received a rock-solid third baseman Derreck Amboyan, a transfer from Brother Rice.
“He is a great all-around player,” said Sherman. “He is a five-tool player.”
Amboyan will help out Maples pitchers a great deal as he adds an extra layer to the Seaholm infield for the 2010 season.
Also, as a solid contact hitter, Amboyan has a knack for getting on base and will help spring some rallies for the team.
“Amboyan has a great bat,” said Sherman. “He will help our lineup out a lot - he’s just really good.”
The season opens at Maple field on April 14 and 16 for the Maples opening week of the season and as they play the Harrison Hawks and the North Farmington Raiders.
