Batter up … finally.
Upper Valley high school baseball teams are accustomed to an uncertain start to their seasons, given northern New England’s fickle weather and slow-to-arrive spring. No one could have predicted the pandemic that canceled last season, however, and a lot of programs have a lot of questions to answer about the time off before getting a true feel of their potential.
When last on a diamond, White River Valley rolled to an undefeated state VPA Division III state championship in the school’s first year of existence. The Wildcats should be a threat again this spring.
Across the river, Hanover arrives with a load of promise after many current Marauders won an independent title with the Upper Valley Anglers last summer. Lebanon also contributed to that crown and has the potential to surprise.
Here’s a capsule look at the area’s programs:
Coach: John Grainger (sixth year).
Last time: 8-9, lost in first round.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Juniors — Ian Hedgepeth (IF), Casey Graham (1B), Josh Bucci (IF), John Hill (C), Wes Stocken (OF/P).
Newcomers: Seniors — Will Cahoon (IF), Hank Trimble (OF), Jackson Liu (IF). Juniors — Mason Gantrish (IF), Trevor Pierce (OF/P), Colin Pierce (IF/P), Declan Flynn (IF), Joe Davis (OF). Sophomores — Ben Williams (OF), Sam Sacerdote (IF/P). Freshman — Oliver Sperry (C).
Analysis: Coach John Grainger likes this team, and it’s easy to understand why. Although junior-heavy, the Marauders have loads of experience. Nine of them played last summer for the Anglers; Williams stood out with his speed on the basepaths, and Sacerdote threw key innings on the mound. Stocken and Bucci both threw well in Hanover’s season-opening sweep of Sunapee two weeks ago. The one thing that could slow the Marauders is a lack of regular-season competition with their pandemic-fueled regional schedule.
“This is the most talented team I have coached at Hanover, including the 2018 semifinal team,” Grainger said. “It’s difficult — as all spring sports coaches are finding — with the shortened preseason and not seeing your players in two years.”
Coach: Jarrod Grassi (18).
Last time: 5-11, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Alex Bushway (P/IF), Jacob Dwinell (P/OF), Cameron Tucker (P/OF). Juniors — Nick Martin (IF/OF), Colin Vielleux (P/IF), Drew Martin (C).
Newcomers: Seniors — Aiden Brooks (IF/OF), Daniel Bushway (IF). Juniors — Noah Arsenault (OF/C), Harrison Gaudet (IF), Macin Gaudette (P/IF). Sophomores — Shane Jenks (P/IF), Trenton Bird (P/OF), Joseph Beggs (IF/OF). Freshmen — Zachary Johnson (P/IF/OF), Sean Dunton (C), Nathan Clark (P/OF).
Analysis: As with Hanover, a number of Hartford players benefitted from independent summer ball last year when the high school season was called off. A half-dozen Hurricanes played on the White River Junction squad that reached the Vermont Summer Baseball League semifinals; three of them (Alex Bushway, Jacob Dwinell, Colin Vielleux) spent important time on the mound.
“I’m pleased with the way this group of young men has worked hard at getting better every day,” Grassi said. “We return a couple of strong arms to anchor our pitching staff, with a lot of potential in others. Finding our identity outside of that will be a process that I’m looking forward to going through with this group.”
Coach: Chauncey Wood (1).
Last time: 10-8, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Senior — Calvin Bates (C). Junior — Braden Falzarano (P/OF).
Newcomers: Seniors — Jon Carrier (1B/3B/P), Alex Felix (2B/SS), Preston Hewett (1B/P), Zachary Howland (1B/3B/P), Joe Roberts (IF/P), Ryan Tanski (OF/3B), Aidan Yates (SS/P). Juniors — John Bieszczad (C/OF), Cole Fabry (OF/P), Benjamin Katz (2B/OF), Sidney Wallace (OF/P), Sebastian Yates (1B/3B), Zach Whitcomb (OF). Sophomore — Francis Calandrella (OF/IF). Freshman — Zachary Aldrich (OF/IF/P).
Analysis: Wood may be new to the varsity job, but he’s no stranger to the Raiders he’s coached in junior varsity the past couple of years, including summer ball. Lefty Falzarano has potential on the mound, and he’ll be brought along slowly. Bates and Howland have pop at the plate. The team is dedicating the season to late coach Doug Ashey, who died from cancer in October 2019.
“An inexperienced team with only two returning varsity players,” noted Wood, who also coaches wrestling at Lebanon. “Developing pitching staff led by Falzarano and Fabry. A lot of team speed and developing players that will look to get better with every game.”
Coach: Dave Isom (4).
Last time: 5-11, missed tiebreaker for last tournament spot by one game.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Josh Evans (P/2B/3B/SS), Michael Evans (P/C/2B/3B/SS).
Newcomers: Senior — Elyas Jenkins (P/1B/3B). Juniors — Allan Hammond (C/P/1B/2B/OF), Christopher Robison (OF/IF). Sophomores — Zach Thompson (P/1B/3B), Cameron White (OF/IF). Freshmen — Logan Isham (IF/OF), Cayden Marquay (P/2B/SS/OF), Alex Shareiko (P/C/2B/SS), Leighum Tetreault (P/OF), T.J. Mardin (P/1B/2B/3B/SS), James Thomas (P/1B/OF), Isaiah Hogan (OF).
Analysis: Every coach loves an innings eater on the mound, and coach Dave Isom has a pair in Josh and Michael Evans. Josh threw well in the Royals’ season-opening loss at Lebanon, and Michael returns after making second-team all-state at catcher in 2019. After that, how quickly Isom’s very young roster adjusts to varsity play will determine the Royals’ level of success.
“It looks like we have some good pitching depth, which I am very excited about,” Isom said. “We have a young team this year with (seven) freshmen. … Fortunately, our seniors are very mature and have been helping the younger players on the team, and we have a great team attitude.”
Coach: Jay Blaine (1).
Last time: 4-12, missed state tournament.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Bryce Willey (3B), Josh Sharron (C), Tanner Proper (SS/P/LF). Juniors — Bryce Willey (2B), Devyn Heino (P/3B/SS), Jayden Conroy (CF/P).
Newcomers: Seniors — Chase Hamilton (LF), Hayden Patenaude (RF), Josh Orlowski (3B/P). Juniors — Bryce Ashley (RF/P), Dylan Carpenter (1B/3B/P), Cam Howard (UT), Kaiden Seymour (UT). Sophomore — Karter Pollari (LF/SS/P), T.J. Short (UT).
Analysis: Jay Blaine takes over the Tigers after serving as a varsity assistant and junior varsity head coach over the last four years. Athleticism should be in Newport’s favor, but a rough regional schedule will be challenging.
“It could be a tough regular season, as almost 50% of our games are against D-II schools,” Blaine noted. “When we hit playoffs, we will be fine. Obviously, everyone is in the same position as far as not being prepared due to the COVID-induced late start. We will come along rapidly as the kids get back into a sport that most of them haven’t played in 1¾ years.”
Coach: Shawn French (23).
Last time: 10-7, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, NVAC Capitol Division.
Returnees: Senior — Carter Allen (P/SS/2B).
Newcomers: Seniors — Bryce Ilsley (3B/2B/OF/P), Jordan Johnson (P/OF), Memphis Cahill (OF). Juniors — Andrew Emerson (P/OF/1B), Dylan Bearce (P/3B/2B), Nathan Bachus (C/1B), Chris Roy (OF). Sophomore — Chase Lund (3B/SS/P). Freshmen — Mathew Corti (C/1B/P), Tyler Marsh (2B/P/OF), Reece Ilsley (2B/SS/OF/P), Gavin Perry (1B/OF/P), Cameron Roy (P/SS/3B/OF).
Analysis: A year away from the diamond leaves veteran coach Shawn French in something of a reset for this spring. Just one player with varsity experience, senior Carter Allen, is back, but some of the newcomers have shown themselves capable in other sports.
“Youth will be tested,” French said. “We hope to come together early and play solid baseball.”
Coach: Eric Reichert (27).
Last time: 8-7, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Ty Newman (P/1B), Owen Mansur (OF/P), Bailey Welch (OF). Junior — Wyatt Underhill (C/P), Garrett Stever (2B/OF/P).
Newcomers: Senior — Nathaniel Parkin (3B/P). Junior — Jordan Larson (OF). Sophomores — Harry Molesworth (IF/OF/P), Josh Gould (1B/P), Ashton Pierson (C/OF). Freshmen — Luke Avery (IF/OF), Nigel Klarich (OF), Robert McNelly (2B/OF), Parker Piper (C/OF). Eighth grade — Rowan Halsey Leckerling (SS/P/C), Will Knowles (IF/OF/P), Christian Ditcheos (1B/P).
Analysis: The Raptors will be working on fundamental baseball as they get back from a year away from the game. Newman and Underhill will be the battery foundation; Mansur, Welch and Stever were all part of Rivendell’s last team in 2019. Coach Eric Reichert is putting a premium on developing a lot of pitchers to counter a hectic schedule.
“The beginning of our season consists of a game every other day, so we’ll have to keep an eye on pitch counts in order to maintain the depth of the pitching staff,” Reichert said. “Offensively, we need to have an aggressive, hitting mindset where we’re loading our hands and attacking the baseball. … After the challenges of the last year, I think we’ll be able to view the game of baseball in its proper perspective.”
Coach: Paul Silva (15).
Last time: 7-10, missed tiebreaker for last tournament spot by a half-game.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnee: Senior — Owen Taylor (P/1B/OF).
Newcomers: Seniors — Caden Ferland (IF/OF), Bryce Weymouth (1B). Juniors — Sean Adams (P/OF), Zack Bundy (P/SS/2B), Dylan Chambers (P/SS/2B/OF), Eric Peaslee (C/OF). Sophomores — Matt Becker (P/IF), Dominic Puksta (OF/3B), Colby Shepard (C/1B/OF), Lucas Smith (C/OF), Ty Theriault (P/SS/2B/OF). Freshmen — Cam Cummings (3B), Cody Pellerin (P/1B).
Analysis: Longtime coach Paul Silva is banking on versatility making up for a lack of experience after last spring’s lost campaign. Owen Taylor will front the rotation, but at least six other Cardinals are expected to join in carrying the pitching load. Zack Bundy, Dylan Chambers, Eric Peaslee and Ty Theriault are the frontrunners for key roles among Silva’s many newcomers.
“We have a good group out this season, with some players that can play multiple positions,” Silva said. “We have some experience on the mound. … We are going to be very inexperienced at a number of key positions, and they will be learning at the varsity level.
Coach: Phil Chaput (10).
Last time: 11-5, lost to White River Valley in semifinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, NVAC Capitol Division.
Returnees: None.
Newcomers: Seniors — Logan Brinkman (P/IF), Lucas Gilman (IF/OF/P), Jackson Kingsbury (P/OF/IF). Juniors — Ethan Marshia (IF/P), Mack Briglin (IF/P), Ryan Malloy (C/IF). Sophomores — Jacob Gilman (OF/P), Nolan Pepe (IF/P). Freshmen — Nathan Stanley (OF), Mason Fahey (IF/C/P), Loren Young (OF), Alford Manning III (IF/OF), Justin Robinson (IF/OF), Mitchell Parkman (OF/IF).
Analysis: Most Upper Valley baseball squads have at least one holdover from 2019; not so with the Panthers, who will introduce an entire roster of newcomers this spring. With an open tournament, however, coach Phil Chaput can use the season like an extended set of scrimmages to find a lineup that will deliver Thetford deep into the postseason again.
“Looking to build off of 2019’s success,” said Chaput of his last team, which reached the semis for the first time since 2002. “A completely reworked roster will look to compete in an arduous Capitol Division.”
Coach: Devin Cilley (4).
Last time: 18-0, won VPA Division III state title.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Carder Stratton (P/IF), Jacob Barry (2B), Tyler Ballentine (UT). Juniors — Dominic Craven (P/OF), Austin Tracy (UT), Weston Trombly (1B), Arliss Spaulding (OF), Bazel Russell (C), Donovan Forcier (P/OF).
Newcomers: Seniors — Curtis Barry (P/3B; transfer from Hartford High), Alexander Lober (OF). Juniors — Jamesen Roussel (OF). Mason Gauthier (OF), Elijah Kinsley Jr. (OF). Nicholas Ramos (OF). Sophomores — Robby McShinsky (UT), Alexander Teller (P/IF). Freshmen — Maxwell Sulham (OF), Nesmith Sulham (OF), Finn Bailey (OF).
Analysis: It’s as if they never left. After a perfect debut in their school’s first year of existence, the Wildcats return with enough veterans from 2019’s state championship team to field a full nine-player lineup. Five of them — Carder Stratton, Jacob Barry, Tyler Ballantine, Dominic Craven and Austin Tracy — started on that squad and will be the backbone of WRV’s roster. The Wildcats will be a threat to win states again, especially if they do well against a slate of schools from higher VPA divisions.
“This will be a good team on both sides of the field offensively and defensively,” coach Devin Cilley said. “A good amount of experience in high-pressure games, with a lineup that features many seniors and juniors. … We look forward to playing after losing last year’s season to COVID. We hope to pick up where we left off in 2019.”
Coach: Jamie Richardson (7).
Last time: 7-11, lost in quarterfinals to eventual champion White River Valley.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Senior — Jordan Place (P/SS). Juniors — Ethan Belvin (C/P), Adam Dufour (P/2B).
Newcomers: Seniors — Ethan Lawyer (P/OF), Gage Dillingham (2B/OF), Owen Rhoad (OF), Cooper Bevis (P/OF). Juniors — Richie Young (OF/3B), Dalton Clifford (1B/OF), Ryan Connelly (P/2B), Austin Gauld (P/OF). Sophomores — Maison Fortin (P/OF), Charles Palmer (C/3B), Vance Martin (OF/3B). Freshman — Johnny Clark (P/3B).
Analysis: Coach Jamie Richardson likes leadership; he says that translates into hard work. The Yellowjackets should have no problems in that department, with three returnees and a slew of talented newcomers looking to point Windsor toward the kind of success that resulted in state championships in 2016 and ’18.
“After the first few practices, I will say that nobody will outwork us; I can’t ask for much more,” Richardson said. “Like everyone else in the state, varsity experience will be a weakness. With a year off, going into the season there were a lot of unknowns. But after a few practices, I am very excited. This is a very athletic and coachable team that will keep getting better as the year goes on.”
Coach: Jason Tarleton (21).
Last time: 5-11, lost in VPA Division II first round.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Tom Bissaillon (P/SS), Chase Christiansen (P/1B). Juniors — Alex Rice (C), Liam Harper (SS/OF), Memphis Begin (3B/P), Wyatt Begin (OF/P), Robby Macri (OF).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Jackson Martin (P/3B), Jacob Stone (2B/OF), Brooks Ruderman (IF/OF).
Analysis: The Wasps join Division III for the first time in school history, which should fit well with a roster that counts only 10 players for the time being. Tom Bissaillon, who made his return from a torn knee ligament during independent summer ball last year, is a player to watch.
Veteran coach Jason Tarleton calls pitching and defense Woodstock’s strengths. Like every other team out there, the Wasps will need time to regain their skills after a year off.