CA baseball in transition year
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
Preview
MARS HILL — After eight seasons as an assistant coach under Brent York, Roland “Butch” Richardson has taken over the reins of the Central Aroostook Panthers’ baseball team.
Contributed photo/Dave Allen Graphics
LINE DRIVE — Dylan Murray of the Central Aroostook Panthers rips a base hit during the fourth inning of last Tuesay’s game played in Mars Hill. The Panthers got past the Hornets, 7-4, for their only victory of the season thus far.
CA is a perennial playoff team, having made it into the Eastern Maine finals twice under York and winning the title once.
“I believe what we have taught these young players in the past should continue,” Richardson said of his reason for taking the head coaching job after York resigned. “I have enjoyed working with all these young athletes over the years and want to continue as long as I am able.”
The Panthers are coming off another strong year. They went 13-3-1 overall and entered the EM Class D playoffs as the No. 1 seed, only to lose to Bangor Christian in the semifinals. Four key players graduated from that team, including pitchers Dan Brewer and Brendon York, catcher Ross Grass and first baseman Mike McClung.
Richardson spent a bulk of the preseason trying to identify players who would be able to fill in for those four players. He said he has been trying to promote versatility by getting many Panthers to play multiple positions.
Central Aroostook, and Richardson, welcome back five returning starters in seniors Darrin and Dylan Murray and Derek Rusby, junior Cory Richardson and sophomore Zach McClung, as well as another player, senior Steven Decker, who was a starting outfielder as a sophomore but took last season off.
Junior Conor Todd is a second-year player has demonstrated excellent techniques, both in the field and at the plate, and will play a key role.
Juniors Spencer Garrison and Derrick Lawrence, sophomore Ryan King and freshmen Alan Rideout, Cameron Todd, Dustin Pryor, Dylan Fulton and Morgan Shaw are others Richardson will be counting on throughout the season. Sophomore Tyler Hallett rounds out the team along with manager Josh Avila.
“I feel our strengths are speed, endurance and team spirit,” said Richardson, who added that the club’s pitching depth will be tested with the graduation of Brewer and York, who both logged numerous innings during their careers.
Richardson welcomes Kasey Brewer as his assistant coach. Brewer was a member of the 2010 Panther team that won the EM championship and has already made a positive impact with his ability to instruct in all aspects of the game.
