Abbitine Aiming to Elevate Ashland High Softball

Steve Abbitine is Ashland High’s new softball coach, but he’s not new to the sport.
The 50-year-old native of the Bronx, who’s lived in Ashland for 20 years, coached youth softball in town for 10 years, and for the last five years, he’s directed a travel team out of Natick that competes in the Amateur Softball Association.
Hired in early March from a group of eight candidates, Abbitine was familiar with about 80 percent of his players long before pre-season practice got under way.
“I coached and knew many of the girls when I was involved with youth softball,’’ Abbitine noted. “I got into the program when my two daughters (Nicole and Gianna) were old enough to play. I’m proud and ecstatic to be coaching Ashland’s varsity team and I’m optimistic about our prospects.’’
Abbitine, whose Clockers were 3-1 at Local Town Pages deadline, has eight veterans back from last year’s squad that did not qualify for the tourney. But, he’s got some definite goals that he firmly believes will put his Clockers on the path to post-season play.
“I want us to be more competitive in the Tri Valley League (TVL),’’ he emphasized. “Being competitive should eventually lead to contending for the league title and qualifying for the playoffs. My job is to help the girls develop as players and enhance their high school athletic experience. Whether they go on to play in college or not, we want to develop their talents so their interscholastic experience is a lasting and positive memory.’’
Abbitine’s Clockers have some strengths—like speed, hitting and defense—but he’s focusing on improving the team’s pitching. “My style stresses defense,’’ he said. “Teams that win usually are successful because they limit errors. We’ve got experienced players but our focus going forward will be to work on elevating our pitching.”
Abbitine is pleased and impressed with his entire team’s play in the early going. Coming in for praise are his senior captains—outfielder Danielle Carson, shortstop/outfielder Erica Doiron, catcher Maeve Flynn and first baseman/third baseman Anne Spielberger.
“Danielle is a strong fielder and solid hitter,’’ Abbitine said. “Erica is a very capable middle infielder and Maeve is a returning captain who’s a team leader and a quality power hitter. Anne is strong in the infield, a good contact hitter and a team leader.’’
Abbitine also lauded pitcher Sydney McMullen, who has compiled a 3-1 record, and first baseman Jillian Celatka. “Sydney is a big key for us,’’ he added. Her fastball, drop, change-up and curve are a formidable assortment and Jillian is capable in the field and she also gives us a power hitter.’’
Abbitine’s background is well-suited to coaching and instruction. He played baseball and soccer at Monroe-Woodbury High in New York’s Hudson Valley. An electrical engineering major at Manhattan College, he first worked for Raytheon on missile development. Later, when employed by several tech firms, he opted to assist his brother (Tony) with the expansion of Frozen Ropes, a chain of baseball and softball training academies.
“I currently work as the director of operations for Frozen Ropes national training center in New York and I own a Frozen Ropes facility in Natick that formerly was in Franklin,’’ Abbitine said. “Our academies offer instruction to youths from age three to college age players. All skills are taught—from swinging to fielding to arm mechanics. Classes, camps and clinics are conducted and most of the 10 facilities around the country have about 10-15 instructors.’’
Abbitine is well-versed in baseball and softball instruction, but he’s a fan of players acquiring additional training. “I believe players should seek formal training in addition to what coaches can provide,’’ he said. “There are many options in the Metrowest area. In addition to traditional softball skills training, ways to improve include relaxation techniques, dealing with competitive anxieties and visualization drills.’’
Aware that the TVL is a highly competitive circuit, Abbitine knows patience may have to prevail early on for Ashland.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us in the TVL,’’ he said. “Teams like Norton, Hopkinton and Bellingham are traditionally very good. My philosophy combines competing hard to win, reaching one’s potential and to enjoy playing. And, it’s very important to impress that sports teach valuable life lessons — like overcoming adversity, working towards goals, managing time and learning to be leaders. I want our players to have rewarding memories of their competitive days in athletics.’’