CA should contend for baseball title
MARS HILL — After winning the Eastern Maine title in 2010, the Central Aroostook Panthers realize that they will have a target on their backs.
Many of these baseball players are also fresh of their state title in basketball this past winter, and they are very familiar with what it takes to win. Despite graduating five seniors off last year’s squad, the Panthers are bringing back their three top pitchers, and that alone will make them very competitive.
Leading the way will be senior standout Logan McLaughlin. Considered one of Class D’s best pitchers, McLaughlin will have to work his way back from off-season back surgery.
“Logan has been working hard to rehab,” stated coach Brent York, “and he should be back to top form soon.”
York is hoping to get him back to full practice activities within the next week.
In addition, junior Brendan York and Dan Brewer are also excellent pitchers who will help anchor the staff.
“Pitching will certainly be one of our strengths,” stated York. “If McLaughlin, York, and Brewer perform like they did last year, it will be a key for us.”
Besides that trio, the Panthers will look for quality innings from junior Mike McClung and sophomores Stephen Decker and Dylan Murray.
“With the pitching rules, you can never have enough good arms,” continued York. Junior Ross Grass will be the primary catcher this season, with Brewer getting some innings behind the plate as well.
The Panthers should also be one of the better offensive teams in Class D again this year. Assistant coach Butch Richardson is in charge of the offense, and the squad looks to be solid again. McLaughlin, York, Brewer and McClung all had solid years at the plate last year, and sophomore Dereck Rusby could be one of the Panthers’ top offensive performers.
“Dereck is a very good hitter,” stated York. “He will play the outfield, a little third base, and some DH. We want his bat in the lineup.”
Senior Kyle Murray will see action at both first base and in the outfield, and should be a key contributor at the plate as well.
Other quality players will include junior sophomores Dylan and Darren Murray. Darren will anchor the outfield in center, while Dylan will see action in both the infield and the outfield. Sophomore Stephen Decker will play some third base in addition to his pitching responsibilities. First-year sophomore Storm Stetson will fill a utility role off the bench, as will freshmen Jacob Canney and Corey Richardson.
“I believe we will be very competitive,” stated Coach York.
The Panthers have a solid schedule which should afford them plenty of tournament points. Key games will be against in-class foes Southern Aroostook, Wisdom and Fort Fairfield, while Class C Madawaska may be one of the County’s best teams. The Panthers were scheduled to open their season April 26 at home against Madawaska.
