No state baseball champions came out of the Upper Valley last season, but there are several that have a chance to change that this season.
Sunapee returns a strong pitching staff and many of the key pieces from last year’s NHIAA Division IV runner-up, while experienced Hartford — coming off of a disappointing first-round exit in 2015 — appears more loaded than group of Hurricanes since their last title in ’09.
South Royalton is also looking to return to prominence. The Royals, whose last title was three years ago, will field their best team since.
Some Upper Valley teams are experiencing transitional phases. Hanover takes to the diamond under the leadership of first-year coach John Grainger, following 25 years of guidance by athletic director Mike Jackson. Newport also has a new coach in Jonathan Hamel, while Whitcomb-Rochester is a first-year cooperative with a new nickname, the Mountaineers.
Other teams forge ahead with the longevity of longtime coaches intact. Doug Ashey is now in his 23rd year leading Lebanon, while Eric Reichert coaches Rivendell for the 22nd spring, Shawn French mans the bench for Oxbow for the 18th straight year and Jason Tarleton the 16th for Woodstock.
Coach: John Grainger (1).
Last Year: 6-11, lost in first round.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Davey Stocken (OF), Nick Rassias (OF). Juniors — Will Smith (CF), Connor Stafford (SS/P), Avery Monahan (P/INF), David Seigne (INF), Roger Danilek (OF), Avery Monahan (2B). Sophomore — Moises Celeya (INF).
Newcomers: Juniors — Luke Ratliff (INF), Ryan Finley (C), Jack Brendel (1B), Harry Olszewski (2B). Sophomores — Charlie Goodrich (U), Braxton McNulty (C), Marc Hampers (1B), David Lehmann (SS).
Analysis: With a relatively inexperienced roster and a first-year coach, the Marauders are keeping their goals modest. “We are hoping to finish around .500 and win a playoff game,” Grainger said. “Anything above that is great; anything below that we will take in stride and look ahead to next year.”
Coach: Jarrod Grassi (13).
Leagues: VPA Divison I, Marble Valley League.
Last Year: 13-4, lost to Mount Mansfield in first round.
Returners: Seniors — Codi Smith (CF/P), Jacob Perkins (P/INF/OF), Brandon Gaudet (1B/C), Wyatt Connor (OF/P), Nate Walz (OF/1B), Robert Varela (OF). Juniors — Jordy Allard (SS/P), Matt Libuda (C/OF), Dylan Spencer (3B/P), Nathan Robinson (inj; INF). Sophomores — Tyler Hamilton (C/INF/OF), Hunter Perkins (P/1B/OF).
Newcomers: Senior — Christopher Kearney (OF). Junior — Nick Wright (2B). Sophomores — Austin Gaudette (2B/OF), Walker Farley (2B/OF).
Analysis: The Hurricanes return their entire pitching staff and all but one of their starters from last year, when they put forth a strong regular season and earned the No. 4 seed before sputtering against No. 13 MMU in the first round. There were occasions last year when Hartford didn’t respond well to adversity, something Grassi is hoping will shift this season.
“One thing we need to change this year is how we respond to failure,” the coach said. “When things aren’t going our way, we need to have guys who can spark us in the right direction. We can’t keep our heads down.”
Coach: Doug Ashey (23).
Last Year: 9-7, lost to Oyster River in first round.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returners: Senior — Matt Sullivan (P/INF/OF). Juniors — Alex Bitler (P/INF), Caleb Broughton (SS), Nate Gariepy (C), Hunter March (INF/P), Nate Perkins (P/OF).
Newcomers: Juniors — Peter Elder (P/OF), Joah Moss (P/1B/OF). Sophomores — Hunter Boutin (INF/OF/P), Derek Griffin (P/INF). Freshman — Andrew Hadlock (INF/P). “There are also a group of sophomores and freshmen who will swing throughout the season between varsity and jayvee,” Ashey noted.
Analysis: The Raiders are routinely in the mix in D-II but lost seven seniors from last year’s unit and will be inexperienced in a few important roles to start the season. “I believe strongly in this group of young men, but we will need to work every day to improve our fundamentals and be able to compete in a very strong D-II,” Ashey said. “If we can continue to show improvement throughout the season, hopefully we will be a tough team come tournament time.”
Coach: Guy Serviss (9).
Last Year: 1-15, missed playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Oscar Brueckner (P/IF), Jordan Deford (OF/C/P), Dylan Mulherin (1B/P), Will Morrison (OF/1B/P), Anthony Sperry (SS/2B). Juniors — Wyatt Wheeler (1B/3B), Derek French (P/IF). Sophomores — Tyler Warner (P/OF), Ethan Brueckner (IF/P/OF).
Newcomers: Juniors — Mark Olsen (OF/C), Tyler Findley (P/1B), Jonny Raymond (C/IF).
Analysis: The Royals struggled mightily last season but enter 2016 with improved pitching and defense. “That gives us a shot at a successful season,” Serviss said. “How much success will depend on our ability to improve at the plate and stay healthy.”
Coach: Jonathan Hamel (1).
Last Year: 10-6, lost to Mascenic in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors – Dawson Campbell (C), Tyler Maheu (RF/2B), C.J. Lawrence (P/1B). Junior — Cam Ackerman (CF), Dylan McNamara (P/SS).
Newcomers: Senior — Noah Wade (LF). Juniors — Brandon Sondrini (3B/P), Brendon Halleck (2B/RF/1B), T.J. Hubert (2B/RF), Tyler Hall (1B/DH). Sophomores — Kyle Rossiter (P/SS/3B), Cody Turgeon (1B/DH), Kyle Fish (2B/RF).
Analysis: The Tigers lost eight seniors, plus former coach Tim Spanos, from last year’s quarterfinalist. More than half of Newport’s regulars suited up for junior varsity last season, but Hamel is confident they’ll mix well with its returners. “Fortunately, we also have the luxury of great senior leadership,” Hamel said. “The hope is to make the playoffs, even if it’s a play-in game.”
Coach: Shawn French (18).
Last Year: 9-7, lost to Lyndon in first round of VPA Division II tournament.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Eddie White (P/SS/3B), Nick Daigle (1B/P), Connor Bean (1B), Tim Carson (OF/2B/C), Hayden Tomlinson (2B/P/1B), Chris Underhill (3B/P/1B), Nick Grant (C/SS). Junior — Jake Stimson (OF/P/2B).
Newcomers: Juniors – Noah Johnson (OF/P), Tyler Longmoore (OF/2B), Kyle Pittman (OF). Sophomore – Lincoln Ilsley (SS/2B/P).
Analysis: After a two-year stint in Division II, the Olympians return to D-III, where they had their last 10-win season in 2013. With an experineced pitching staff and depth, senior-laden Oxbow appears poised for a strong season.
Coach: Eric Reichert (22).
Last Year: 6-10, lost to Randolph in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Juniors — Wiatt Suich (2B), Colin Gould (C/P). Sophomore — Dashiel Fukushima (P/SS). Freshmen — Jake Kilmer (C/DH), Lucas Streeter (1B/P).
Newcomers: Juniors — Dametres Perry (SS/P), Sam Tilden (3B/C/P), Michael Delaney (OF), Lucas DeSouza (OF). Sophomores — Jeb Welch (OF); Freshmen — Charlie Bradley (2B/OF), Caleb Haley (OF), Guilherme DeSouza (OF).
Analysis: Ranked No. 11 in the state tournament last year, the Raptors upset sixth-ranked Poultney in the first round a year ago. They’re still relatively young and continue to iron out kinks, but Reichert likes what he sees so far.
“We don’t have a whole lot of experience as a baseball team, but it’s a pretty forward-looking group of kids, and that’s what we need to do,” Reichert said. “We need to approach the season with the big picture in mind.”
Coach: Michael Ballou (7).
Last Year: 12-6, lost to Williamstown in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Kyle Spaulding (OF/INF), Max Stearns (OF). Juniors — Dalton McDougall (P/INF), Stephen Paige (INF/P), Justin Brock (INF/P), Josh Scoskie (P/INF), Andy Moore (OF), Nicholas Howe (OF/P). Sophomores — Dominick Small (INF/P), Jon Nielsen (OF/P).
Newcomers: Senior — Robert Ingham (P/C). Junior — Michael Hemond (OF). Freshman — Jacob Hewitt (C/INF).
Analysis: Now three seasons removed from their last state title, the experienced Royals will be looking for a deep playoff run this season after losing by a run to eventual D-IV runner-up Williamstown in last year’s quarters. “We are looking to improve from game to game,” said Ballou. “Our goal is to be playing our best baseball when it is playoff time.”
Coach: Paul Silva (10).
Last Year: 9-9, lost to Monadnock in second round.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Ryan Napsey (OF/P), Tyler Leahy (OF/P). Juniors — Coby Hussey (SS/3B), Zach O’Brien (OF/P). Sophomores — Noah Spaulding (2B/SS/P), Drew Grenier (2B/SS/P), Aidan Cahill (C/OF/1B).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Brendan Bean (1B), Login Barry (C/OF/P). Freshmen — Trey Theriault (3B/P), Ethan Johnson (OF/IF), Derrick Stanhope (OF/P), Henri Bourque (C/OF/P), Cam Macia (IF,OF).
Analysis: The Cardinals lost key pitchers and others to both graduation and transfers but should have enough athleticism and experience to help compensate. Plus, Stevens’ rookies appear promising. “I like what I saw from the team, particularly first-year players, in our two preseason jamborees,” said Silva. “You only get better by playing.”
Coach: Tom Frederick (10).
Last Year: 15-5, lost in final to Portsmouth Christian.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Cole Cruz (SS/P), Ben Robinson (P/C), Mike Platt (INF). Juniors — Keir Lucas (1B/P), Will Austin (P/C), Hank Vincent (OF). Sophomores — Will Palin (OF/C), Cade Robinson (INF), Nick Ducharme (OF/P).
Newcomers: Junior — Dan Santti (OF). Freshmen — Matt Nangeroni (P/OF), Lane Smith (P/1B), Andrew Hayes (OF), Sean Shisko (INF), Gabe Hastings (OF).
Analysis: The Lakers have strong pitching and return much of the nucleus from last year’s state runner-up. Expect Sunapee to be a strong contender for what would be its fourth title since 2011 while attempting to develop talent for the future.
Coach: Phil Chaput (5).
Last Year: 8-10, lost to BFA-Fairfax in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Jack Sweet (capt./P/IF), Rob Root (IF), Finbar Curtin (capt./C), Galen Ferris (OF). Junior — Connor Brown (capt./P/IF). Sophomores — Lawson Ouellette (P/IF/OF), Dan Wells (P/IF).
Newcomers: Senior — Kaleb O’Keefe (IF/OF). Juniors — Erik Lindahl (P/OF), Cordell Benjamin (C/P/IF). Sophomore — Nick Moses (OF). Freshmen — Owen Deffner (IF), Seth Boyce (P/C/IF/OF), Alden Nichols (P/OF/IF), Aiden Cudhea (IF/OF), Will Bosco (P/IF/OF).
Analysis: After reaching the quarterfinals the last two seasons, the Panthers appear poised for what would be their first winning season since 2009. The Panthers have stronger pitching depth and good leadership, combined with an athletic group of newcomers.
Coach: Chris Mattrick (3; last two with Rochester).
Last Year: Whitcomb 5-10, lost to Danville in first round; Rochester 3-13, lost to West Rutland in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Ben Wardwell (OF), Matt Townsend (P/SS), Nick Webb (OF/2B); Juniors — Ben Harvey (2B/P), Zac Gillette (P/OF), Alex Munyon (P/C), Cory Abbott (OF/2B), Isaac Hodgdon (3B/P); Sophomores — Kevin Kingsbury (P/C), Colby Washburn (1B/C), Daniel Labejsza (SS/OF); Freshman — Troy Walker (3B, 1B)
Etc.: Mattrick is a district ranger for the U.S. Forest Service’s Rochester-Middlebury Ranger District.
Analysis: Nicknamed the Mountaineers by fans, it’s the first year neighboring Whitcomb and Rochester have formed a cooperative in baseball after several years doing so in various other sports. Mattrick likes the idea. “The team has a deep pitching rotation this year and strong bats throughout the lineup,” he said. “The combining of the teams has also allowed the development of a J.V. squad for the first time in many years (for either school), which should be beneficial as we move through the season.”
Coach: Jamie Richardson (2).
Last Year: 5-12-1, lost to Leland & Gray in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Jake Meagher (P/IF/OF), Nick Kapuscinski (capt./P/1B), Conner Gould (SS), Allen Heidiman (1B), Casey Husband (OF/IF). Sophomore — Seth Balch (P/IF/OF).
Newcomers: Juniors — Brandon Tillman (3B/OF), Brandyn LeBarron (P/OF). Sophomores — Duncan Frazer (C/IF), Dakota Page (IF/OF). Freshmen — Ryland Richardson (C/IF/OF), Robert Slocum (OF/IF/P).
Analysis: The Yellowjackets are hoping to build off of last year, when as the No. 12 seed they upset fifth-ranked Peoples in the first round of the playoffs. Now in its second year under Richardson, who took over for longtime coach Don Swinyer, Windsor should be primed for more improvement.
Coach: Jason Tarleton (16).
Last Year: 1-15, missed postseason.
Leagues: VPA Division II; Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Senior — Joe Bianchi (capt./P/C); Juniors — Hunter Balch (1B/P), Alex Blaiklock (OF), Cody Chase (P), Devon Mumford (2B). Sophomores — Owen Tarleton (3B/P), Andy Seiple (OF/P), Kyle Weirether (CF), Dylan Carnehammar (OF), Evan Patch (OF), Tom Carroll (OF).
Newcomers: Juniors — Luc Issa (SS), Evan Bloch (OF). Sophomore — Reiner Brown (C/P). Freshmen — Matt Carlson (OF), Anthony Hendrick (1B).
Analysis: After reaching the state semifinals two years ago, the Wasps took a step back in 2015 and missed the playoffis for the first time in seven years. Woodstock has plenty of experience coming back and more depth and athleticism this season. It should be improved.
Coach: Brent Cox (3).
Last Year: 12-5, lost to Portsmouth Christian in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Jaret Bemis (SS), Mike Dennis (OF), Ty Brown (OF), Jordan Clark (OF). Juniors — Brandon Brown (C), Eric Thornton (1B). Sophmore — Seanon May (2B).
Newcomers: Seniors — Tristan Charles (OF), Tanner McKeage (C). Sophomores — Adam Cataldo (OF), Seth Hannett (P). Freshman — Zach Moore (P).
Analysis: With increased experience and depth, the Engineers appear poised to make a deeper run in the playoffs, provided they stay healthy. As for Woodsville’s five newcomers, Cox is optimistic. “It will be interesting to see how well they groom, but it will definitely benefit them to play in a varsity setting,” he said.