Eleven is a number that’s mostly associated with football. At Hopedale High, when coach Josh Crescenzi hears or sees that number, he thinks baseball, because that’s how many players will form his nucleus for the 2017 season.
The 33-year-old coach, who led the Blue Raiders to a Division 4 Central championship in 2015, has nine seniors and two juniors who’ll be counted on to provide the foundation for what could be a very successful season.
“Our team won’t have a particular style,’’ said Crescenzi, who’s in his fourth year as Hopedale’s coach. “We’ve got quality hitters to be an offensive-minded group, enough speed to play small ball, experienced pitching and fielding to be a defensive-oriented squad and versatile kids who can play a variety of positions.’’
If Crescenzi has an area of concern, it’s catching. “We’ve got three seniors who can fill that role,’’ he said. “But, none of the three has much varsity experience.’’
Following is a capsule look at the 11 players who’ll play key roles for the Blue Raiders, who open their season at home against Blackstone-Millville on April 5.
SEAN CALNAN — Senior right-handed pitcher who compiled a 3-2 record last year with an earned-run average of 3.00. Good fastball and curve and control is good. Can play any infield and outfield position (played second base last year). “Sean is a hard-thrower with good velocity,’’ Crescenzi said. “On offense we’re hoping he improves as a hitter.’’
BRIAN ESPANET — Senior shortstop who’s a four-year starter. Hit .372 last year and was a Dual Valley Conference all-star. Led team in stolen bases with 11. Hits for power and bats in the No. 3 slot. “Brian is a consistent hitter and fielder,’’ Crescenzi said. “Has good range at shortstop and can turn a double play.’’
MATT KAPATOES — Senior third baseman who can also pitch in relief or as a starter. A .368 hitter last year who led team in RBIs with 17. Bats cleanup and hits for power. A right-hander, his best pitch is his fastball. “Matt has improved his form on the mound and we hope his control also improves,’’ Crescenzi said.
MATT LUCHINI — Senior catcher who also can play first or third base. Played limited time behind the plate but Crescenzi may turn to him to play a larger role. “Matt knows how to block the plate and he’s got good arm strength,’’ Crescenzi said. “We’re hoping he can work well with our pitchers.’’ A left-handed hitter, Crescenzi said he hopes he’s added some power to his swing and that he’s more consistent at the plate.
SHANE MacQUARRIE — Senior catcher who played half of last year at second base. Has the most experience catching. Hit .310 and was not only aggressive, but also consistent. “Shane gets his share of singles and doubles,’’ Crescenzi said. “He throws and bats in an unconventional way. He doesn’t look smooth but he gets the job done.’’
MIKE MURPHY — Senior who can assume catching chores but also can play the infield or outfield. A right-hander, he pitched 10 innings last year, all in relief. Fastball is his best pitch and his control is good. “Mike improved as the season went on last year,’’ Crescenzi said. “His willingness to work at any position is a big plus. He’s a great utility guy. He’s got the least experience catching but he’s very coachable. Third brother to play for Hopedale.’’
ANDREW SMITH — Senior right-hander who saw limited action on the mound. Assortment includes fastball, curve and change-up. “Andrew did a lot of off-season work,’’ Crescenzi said. “He’s in great shape. I’m excited to see him pitch. We can use him either as a starter or in relief.’’ Worked with a pitching coach in off-season.
JACK SWIFT — Senior right-fielder who hit .270 last year. A three-year varsity player, his coach rates him the fastest player on the team. “Jack has great range and quickness in the outfield,’’ Crescenzi said. “He can really track down a ball. He’s a consistent hitter and makes contact, getting singles and doubles.’’
KYLE VALENTE — Senior who was used primarily as a designated-hitter last year. A left-handed batter, Crescenzi hopes he’s added some power to his swing because his role likely will continue as a D-H. “Kyle has been working on becoming a better contact hitter,’’ Crescenzi said.
SAM PARKER — Junior left-hander who hurled 43 innings, posted a 4-3 record and had a 2.00 E.R.A. last year. Can also play first base and the outfield. Hit .370 last year, relying on power and consistent contact. Voted unsung hero of team as a sophomore. “Sam has a natural fastball, keeps hitters off balance and his control is good,’’ Crescenzi said. “He’ll be near the top of our rotation.’’
JONATHAN RICE — Junior lefty whose season was cut short last year because of Tommy John surgery. Played seven games in centerfield and hit .310 before surgery. In the latter stages of rehab now, he could start the season at first base or in centerfield and pitch later in the campaign. “Jonathan has a good fastball, curve and change-up,’’ Crescenzi said. “He’s a big-game pitcher — winning the title game in the 2015 districts against Oxford. He pitched a complete game.’’ As a freshman, Rice went 8-0, had an E.R.A. of 0.74 and struck out 54 in 47 innings.’’
Crescenzi emphasized that several sophomores and juniors will be new to the varsity and “I’m excited about their abilities and their potential.’’
Rating Nipmuc, Blackstone-Millville and Sutton as strong choices to battle for the DVC crown, Crescenzi believes Hopedale will also be in the mix. “Our goals are to win the conference, qualify for the districts and make a strong run in the tournament,’’ he said.
Those goals are realistic and can be achieved because Crescenzi’s 11-player nucleus is versatile, athletic and coachable.
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April, 2017
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