Shires look to get back to playoffs

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Veteran Houlton baseball coach Shawn Graham is hoping last year was an anomaly.
    For the first time in coach Graham’s seven years at the varsity helm, the Shires failed to qualify for the postseason. The Shires finished 7-9 and 11th in Eastern Class C, missing the playoffs by just one spot. Had Houlton been victorious in its final game of the season against Madawaska, the team likely would have been in the playoff mix.
    “Our goal will be getting back in the playoff hunt after last year’s absence,” Graham said. “It’s a young group, but also a confident bunch with very good team chemistry. I really like what the future holds for us.”
    Houlton graduated six seniors (Ian Gervais, Cody Briggs, Chris Anderson Tanner Caron, Aaron Faulkingham and Ben Flewelling) and lost two other players via transfers to other school districts. The losses of Parker Sanderson and Matt Birmingham, both of whom moved away, will be big holes to fill.
    “Those were both key losses for us as they both pitched, caught and played shortstop,” Graham said.
    The loss of Gervais to graduation creates a big void for the Shires, particularly on the mound.
    “Ian was our leading pitcher the last two seasons in both wins and earned run average therefore he will be a big loss for us in terms of pitching,” Graham said.
    Fortunately, the Shires are returning their top hitter (Hunter Hanning) from last season. Hanning batted .406, with two home runs and 14 RBIs.
    Other members of the Shire roster are Isaiah Straubel, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Doug Dickison, Ian Bauersfeld, Gage Hunt, Kole Buzzeo, Jake Drew, Noah Holmes, Jacob Condon and Alex Donovan.
    “It looks like we will be very young and somewhat inexperienced,” Graham said. “We bring back three starters in Hunter, Isaiah and Jimmy. Jimmy will anchor center field. Hunter will pitch and play third base, and Isaiah is a left-handed pitcher who will also play first base.”
    Dickison is a senior who saw significant time a year ago and will move to the outfield and possibly play some first base. He hit .333 and was the team’s leader in stolen bases.
    Bauersfeld is another senior who is back after taking last season off.
    “Ian started for us as a sophomore so we are glad to have him back,” Graham said. “He will also play the outfield and be a utility infielder as well.”
    Hunt is a sophomore who will play left field, while Buzzeo (also a sophomore) will play shortstop. Freshman Howe will likely start at second base, with freshman Drew handling the catcher’s duties.
    Other freshmen that could see time in the infield are Holmes and Condon, while junior Donovan will play a key role off the bench.
    “I believe our strengths will be defense and speed on the base paths,” Graham said. “Our outfield looks very good, probably the quickest group that I’ve had, and all have strong throwing arms. The infield has also looked sharp in our first two preseason games.”
    Areas that the team will continue to work on throughout the season are hitting and developing pitching depth.
    “We’ve only got four players on the current roster that had varsity at-bats a year ago and only three pitchers that logged varsity innings last year,” the coach said.
    Playing its first four games on the road to start the season is another hurdle the Shires must overcome. Houlton opened its season Tuesday at Presque Isle. The Shires’ first home game is Friday, May 4 at 4 p.m. versus Stearns.