Pennridge Baseball Preview

PENNRIDGE BASEBALL PREVIEW

Coach: Craig Whitten (2nd Season)

Assistant coaches: Rob Rendler, Dave Cressman, Riley Hager, Cory Landes, Eric Reinbott, Tim Taggart, Sean Clayton

2019 record: 5-12 overall

Notable losses: Sean Clayton, Raymond Knight, Paul Croyle, Nick Christ, Kyle Moran, Alex Podraza, Sean Lerro, Derek Morgan, Ryan McAloon, Stephen Nace

Key returners: Bobby Croyle (‘21) 1B/P, Timmy Mastrogiovanni (‘21) C, Carson Wells (‘21) OF/P, Matt Dubyk (‘21) P/3B, Shea Grourke (‘21) 1B, Joey Calabretti (‘22) IF, Aidan Fretz (‘22) P/3B, Ryan DeHaven (‘22) P/OF, Harry Haeflein (‘22) P/1B, Jaden Morgan (‘22) P, Ashton McCloskey (‘23) OF, Conor Flynn (‘23) P/OF

Others to watch: Nate Manuola (‘21) P, Noah Rush (‘21) OF, Nic Chellew (‘21) UTIL, Ryan Healy (‘21) 2B, Jaedon Meek (‘21) 3B, Brayden Ruth (‘21) C, Cameron Schaubel (‘21) P, Gavin Baranowski (‘21) IF, Bryce Binder (‘22) OF, Robbie Pliszka (‘22) P/IF, Matt Campione (‘23) IF, Matt Atchley (‘24) 2B, Thomas Cano-Piszel (‘24) 1B/3B

Outlook: “The team has had a pretty interesting pre-season and is now navigating a new universe of modified quarantines and social distancing, as well as various unique mask rules that change from school district to school district. All the while through it, they’ve accepted every challenge given to them, and risen up to expectations.

“A good core of our leaders and starters played in the two tournaments we participated in along with some of the class of 2020 last summer. We are looking for them to build on the momentum and success we had into a productive and competitive season.

“Our infield is led by Joey Calabretti (‘22) who can play SS and 3B, Matt Dubyk (‘21), Jaedon Meek (‘21), and Aidan Fretz (‘22) are all competing for the 3B job. Shea Grourke (‘21) and Harry Haeflein (‘22) are competing for the 1B job, with Fretz in the mix as well. The 2B job is competitive between Nic Chellew (‘21), Ryan Healy (‘21) and Matt Atchley (‘24) who is one of the most polished freshmen we’ve ever had at Pennridge. Matt Campione (‘23) is easily the most versatile Infielder as he can play 2B and SS at a high level. Robbie Pliszka (‘22) and Thomas Cano-Piszel (‘24) could see some at-bats playing SS and 1B respectively.

“The outfield is led by seniors Bobby Croyle (CF) and Carson Wells (RF). Croyle is an athletic 2-sport athlete (football QB) and Wells is just an outstanding baseball player overall with the most Varsity experience on the team. Ashton McCloskey (‘23) had a tremendous showcase circuit in the summer/fall/winter and has the ability to be a solid defender as well as a middle of the lineup hitter. Noah Rush (‘21), Ryan DeHaven (‘22), Bryce Binder (‘22) and Conor Flynn (‘23) are all expected to contribute when Croyle and Wells are on the mound.

“Behind the plate are Timmy Mastrogiovanni (‘21) and Brayden Ruth (‘21). Timmy is one of the most complete players we’ve ever had at Pennridge. He has solid fundamentals and is one of the toughest outs in our lineup. Ruth is easily the most intelligent player on our roster and is a great “clubhouse guy” with great pop off of his bat as well. Newcomer Joey Santora (‘23) has made tremendous progress behind the plate and is one of the most coachable players on the team.

“We are confident that our strength is in our pitching. Matt Dubyk (‘21) is a tough, big-game pitcher. Aidan Fretz (‘22) has great velocity and works his off-speed pitches in to compliment his fastball. Ryan DeHaven (‘22) is a tall left-hander who has increased his velocity since last summer and is technically-sound. Nate Manuola (‘21) and Cameron Schaubel (‘21) will see innings in relief and spot-start. Manuola has unexpected velocity and Schaubel, who could possibly be one of our most improved players, has increased his strength this offseason. Bobby Croyle and Conor Flynn are our two other lefties on the mound. Croyle saw Varsity innings as a sophomore, and Flynn is a smart pitcher who uses his arsenal of pitches well. Harry Haeflein (‘22) is expected to contribute as well. He has a great pace and is one of the most mentally tough pitchers on our staff. Jaden Morgan (‘22) is a smart pitcher with great velocity and off-speed pitches. Carson Wells has worked on his mechanics and off-speed pitches and has developed into a great pitcher with closer-type ability

“The cancellation of the 2020 season put a lot of things in perspective for our class of 2021. They missed out on a Varsity season, some their 2nd or 3rd. They know that the SOL is the toughest league in the state and every team that we play has the ability to be a District Champion. As long as our players accept their roles on the team, we hope to be in the conversation and bring some pride and respect back to the program.”