HATBORO-HORSHAM BASEBALL PREVIEW
Coach: Pete Moore (13th Year)
Assistant coaches: Andy Noga (Varsity Assistant), Conner Crookham (Varsity Assistant), Ken Remaily (JV Coach), Mark McCouch (JV Assistant), Jim Tooley (Freshmen Coach)
Last year's record: 9-11 Overall, 6-8 SOL Continental
Notable losses:
Ryan Kelly, Saint Joseph's
Zach Prendergast, Seton Hall
Grant Opalisky, Chestnut Hill
Tyler Markovic, Mercer County
Chris Naiberk, Methodist
Key returners:
Kevin Barron, JR, 3B/RHP
Chris Crookham, JR, SS
Eric Lane, JR, OF
John O'Malley, JR, OF
Dave Brown, SR, RHP
Brad Humski, SR, 2B
Eric Thomas, SR, C
Others to watch:
Alec Blyler, JR, OF
Justin Gregorio, JR, C/3B
Alex Kleidon, JR, OF/LHP
Erik Kleidon, JR, 2B/RHP
Ryan Murphy, JR, RHP
Joe Simmons, JR, C/1B
Bryan Johnson, SR, RHP
Collin Fields, SR, 2B
Outlook: Our goal this year is to trust the process that we have outlined that will lead to wins. Offensively, our goal is to do three out of the following five things every game:
Score three or more runs in at least one inning
Answer back if the other team scores by scoring ourselves in the next half inning
Score first in the game
If we have a lead, we want to extend the lead
Score with 2 outs at least once in the game.
Defensively, we want to win the Freebie War and we want to focus on:
Not allowing the opposing team to score in the inning after we score
Aim for 13 pitches or less in an inning
Produce 1-2-3 innings
Strike batters out when we are in the counts to do so
End the inning with the next batter after recording the 2nd out
As a program, we have focused on the mental side of the game. We realize that we need to control the controlables and focus on the next pitch. If we are able to do that consistently, we believe that we are talented enough to compete for the league title. We have a lot of team speed, a deep pitching staff and a very solid 3-4 combo in the middle of our line-up with Eric Lane and Kevin Barron. Juniors Ryan Murphy, Kevin Barron, and Eric Lane add depth to a staff featuring seniors David Brown (Kutztown) and Bryan Johnson. Our infield defense should be a strength and is anchored by senior 2B Brad Humski (Gwynedd Mercy) and junior SS Chris Crookham.
GAMES TO WATCH:
Any game in the SOL Continental is sure to be a battle. The overall talent and team product put out by the teams in our division is always some of the best baseball in the state. Teams are always well prepared and players are always skilled. An interesting non-league game for us will be when we host Cheltenham on April 17. Our pitching coach, Andy Noga, is one of the best players to come out of Cheltenham High School.
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