Hawks ready to open season

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The Hodgdon Hawks hope to open their season where last year’s left off … winning.
    “Each year, we have had an increase in wins and look to continue that trend,” said fourth-year coach Robbie Smith. “We are returning eight players, all who saw significant playing time last year.”
    Helping Smith for his second year is Mark Chamberlain.
    The Hawks graduated six seniors from a year ago, but only three positions were open with the losses, center field, right field and second base. Once the team was able to get outside, Smith would determine who would fill these positions.
    One of the Hawks’ attributes is the cohesiveness of the core of returning players.
    “The eight guys have played together for a year and have worked well together in the field,” Smith said. “Our fielders will assume their [same] roles again around the infield. They have played together and have built a trust in each other.”
    Though the Hawks lost some offensive punch, Smith will move four of his five top batters to the top of the lineup.
    Since teams are just now getting onto the fields, a drawback is lack of playing time outdoors.
    “The bounces on the basketball floor are not the same as they will see in the field,” said Smith. “I think that will affect us for the first couple of games. We don’t have the space to work with the outfielders, so the first game may be their first time at seeing live fly balls off the bat.”
    Playing their fourth year of varsity baseball, seniors Ryan Wellington and Jake Tidd will be called upon for their leadership.
    Last year, Wellington battled an arm injury while playing third and only pitched in one game.
    “Ryan is looking to return healthy and has been going to physical therapy to strengthen his arm,” added Smith.
    Wellington will see time on the mound, third and shortstop.
    In Tidd’s first two years of varsity, he was used as a utility player, but Smith explained he will find himself back playing left field this season.
    Junior Erik Ryan is back at first base for the Hawks.
    “He has made a huge impact on the team on offense and defense,” Smith said.”His batting average was in the top three of the team last year and will hopefully continue that trend this year.”
    Playing outfield and second base will be transfer student Connor Murphy from Calais.
    The Hawks’ super sophomores will play an active role on the squad, as Nick Lunn and Chris Wallace again lead the team on the mound, much as they did last year, said Smith. Lunn will also be used at shortstop or fill whatever position is open. Wallace will also be at first base, third base or used as a designated hitter.
    Returning behind the plate is Josh Hudson.
    “He made some great stops last year and has continued to improve this year behind the dish,” said Smith.
    Joining the pitching rotation will be Drew Gough and Matt Harmon. Gough will also be playing second base and catching, while Harmon will be used in the outfield.
    “These five sophomores will be scattered throughout the batting order and will have opportunities to drive in runs and be driven in when they reach base,” Smith explained.
    Four freshmen join the upperclassmen this season. Tyler Sherman will see time pitching and when not on the mound will be at third base or shortstop. Brandon Malone, Jonah Sarchfield and Anthony Mazzacco will be used primarily in the outfield, but may be used in the infield as needed.
    “These four played last year together at Mill Pond and seem to be fitting in already with the team,” Smith said. “These freshmen could make an impact on games this season, but if not they will gain the experience this year to help them as they move up.”
    A year ago, the Hawks struggled offensively, as the bottom of the batting order had limited hits and walks, leaving base runners stranded and costing the team runs.
    “We are used the time in the gym to focus on hitting,” Smith explaiend. “We are not completely sacrificing fielding, but this year hitting is a major focus. I have tried to get the boys in the cage more often than in years past. I have seen an improvement, but there is still room to improve.”
    The Hawks will host the Greater Houlton Christian Academy on Thursday at 4 p.m. and on Saturday they will travel to Calais for a doubleheader. Monday, the team will be at East Grand.