Staff Writer
The 2008 Ashland varsity baseball team hopes to make a return visit to the Eastern Maine championships this season, with the outcome this time in their favor. The 2007 Hornets ended their regular season on the top of the Eastern Maine Class D standings, but Deer Isle-Stonington ended their run at the EM championships.
Staff photo/Meridith PatersonTHE 2008 ASHLAND VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM – Hornets are, from the left in front, Jeremy Tarr, Tyler Cote, Robert Morrow, Jake Paradis, Tony Baker, Robert Gardner and Carl Nemer and, in back, Jordan Beaulier, Brandon Labbe, Henry Milligan, Justin Belanger, Lucas Belanger, Nick Gimbel, Lucas Hafford and coach Dan Cote. Missing from the photo is assistant coach Dave Milligan.
“I think we surprised a lot of teams last year,” said coach Dan Cote. “The team believed in themselves after a few early-season victories. We relied on our pitching, and did enough offensively to survive some close games.”
The 2007 Hornet offensive leaders were Kevin Baker and Isaac Ward who both graduated. However, the coaching staff have confidence that their starting lineup of juniors and seniors has the ability to repeat last year’s success.
Senior Tyler Cote is first on the starting roster as pitcher and third baseman. Coach Cote will rely on junior Carl Nemer’s speed in centerfield. Junior Jeremy Tarr will play at the shortstop position and the pitcher’s mound. Junior Henry Milligan plays on the infield or outfield. Senior Justin Belanger will also serve the Hornets on the pitcher’s mound with a fast ball clocked around 85 to 90 miles per hour. Belanger also plays first base.
Senior Nick Gimbel will trade between third base and the outfield. Junior Tony Baker plays in the rightfield, and senior Lucas Belanger will catch for the Hornets. Junior Jake Paradis will start on second base in his first season on the team.
All right-handers, Ashland looks to Cote, J. Belanger, Tarr and Baker to strike out the competition from the pitcher’s mound.
Also playing for the 2008 Hornets are sophomore Lucas Hafford (outfield) and freshmen Jordan Beaulier (catcher), Bobby Gardiner (infield/outfield), Bobby Morrow (first base) and Brandon Labbe (outfield).
“This year’s team should be strong pitching and in defense,” commented Cote. “Our biggest concern will be replacing the offense that we lost. We will rely on our pitching and defense and hopefully win more low-scoring games. With all the starters as juniors and seniors, we will look for our veterans to carry the team.”
While Ashland continues to practice indoors, training the pitchers and hitters in the batting cage, Cote has already scouted some of the best competition in Aroostook County.
According to Cote, both Katahdin and Southern Aroostook have strong pitchers in Andy Kay for the Cougars and Robbi Toothaker and Dakota Sleeper on the Warriors squad. The Hornets are also preparing to face Central Aroostook.
“CAHS always seems to have our number, and are 3-1 against us during the regular season over the past two years,” said Cote.
The Hornets plan to play their first outdoor innings in a preseason tournament in Madison during April vacation.
The 2008 captains are seniors Gimbel, Cote, J. Belanger and L. Belanger. The Hornets are managed by Connor McFarland.
