Jason Hoye has been Natick High’s baseball coach for the last three years, and during that time the Redhawks have missed qualifying for tournament play by narrow margins, falling short by one game in 2014 and by two last year.
So, it should come as no surprise that Hoye’s primary goal in his fourth season at the helm is to propel the Redhawks into the playoffs. If the 38-year-old coach and his squad achieve that objective, it will mark the first time Natick will be in the post-season mix since 2010 when it won the Herget Division title then lost in the tourney to Durfee.
“We always strive to be competitive and to play with energy and effort,’’ said Hoye, who previously coached at Holliston. “But, our goal is to win 10 games, get into the tournament and see how far we can advance. Once you’re in the tourney, it’s a new season. We want to revive Natick’s tradition, and although we have a tough schedule, we’ve got a talented group that we hope can seal the deal.’’
At Local Town Pages deadline, the Redhawks were 1-1, losing to Dedham then defeating Norwood.
Hoye, whose 18-player roster will have six returnees, likes his team’s overall strengths and abilities. “Our pitching is a plus because we go eight deep,’’ he said. “Defense is another strength along with team speed. Our team chemistry is good, the players have a high baseball IQ, are coachable, and we’ve got depth, especially on the mound and on defense.’’
Hitting and overall experience are areas Hoye hopes his squad can improve upon as the season moves along. “We struggled with our hitting last year but it’s really a matter of our kids buying into a philosophy,’’ he emphasized. “We’ll aim for consistency and execution and strive to be better situational hitters. We don’t have a lot of overall varsity experience but we do have kids who’ve played a lot of baseball at the club level.’’
Natick’s captains—senior Sean Harney and junior Noah Joseph—will be key players in the Redhawks’ drive for the playoffs. Harney is a right-handed pitcher who also plays the outfield and Joseph is a middle infielder. Harney compiled a .500 record last year, had a 2.50 earned-run average and struck out eight a game. Joseph was a consistent .275 hitter.
“Sean locates the ball well and has a good fastball, curve and change-up,’’ Hoye said. “He’s aggressive and has good tempo. We’re counting on him to be our ace. Offensively, Sean is a contact hitter (.280 last year) and on defense he’s got range and great speed. Noah will play either shortstop or second and it’s his grit and great instincts that are a plus. A fierce competitor, he refuses to lose, he has physical and mental toughness and a strong arm.’’
Three capable seniors who will pitch and play other positions are Jake Jewett, J.J. Hickman and Thomas Fish. When they’re not pitching, Jewett and Fish will play the outfield and Hickman will be at first base.
“Jake is a crafty left-hander whose location and control are good,’’ Hoye said. “His best pitches are a fastball and change-up. A contact hitter, he’s got speed on the base-paths. J.J. has size, a big target at first base. He’s an aggressive hitter who has power and hits to the gaps. A right-handed pitcher, his velocity is very good. He’ll likely be our closer. Thomas is a rightie who relies on a fastball, curve and change-up. He’s got velocity and relies on a high baseball IQ. He’s consistent in his approach as a hitter and is patient at the plate.’’
Another senior who’ll be counted on is Cam Smith, an outfielder who impresses Hoye with his range, instincts, arm strength and speed. “Cam provides leadership in the outfield,’’ Hoye emphasized. “He’s a patient hitter who’s consistent in his approach.’’
Three underclassmen who’ll be in the mix for significant playing time are junior Hayden Scully (pitcher-infielder), junior Alex Lagreca (catcher) and sophomore Austin Twiss (middle infielder).
“Hayden is a tall right-hander who relies on a fastball and change-up,’’ Hoye said. “His control is fine and I like his aggressive style, composure and grit. Alex was our jayvee catcher last year. A coachable kid, he’s able to settle down pitchers, calls a game effectively and is strong on defense. He’s adept at blocking the plate and has a strong arm. A scrappy hitter, he makes opposing pitchers work. Austin has good range and a strong arm. He’s got speed on the bases and is a patient contact hitter.’’
Besides qualifying for the playoffs, Hoye would like to see his forces win the Herget Division in the Bay State Conference (BSC) by unseating defending champ Dedham. Other teams he rates highly are Walpole, Norwood, Newton North and Braintree.
“In the last three years, four state champions have come out of the BSC,’’ Hoye noted. “Braintree won the Super 8 Tournament twice and Newton North won it once while Norwood was the Division 1 state champion. Needham, Framingham and Brookline also are strong squads. The conference is loaded with iron.’’
Opposing teams would be wise to take Natick’s nine seriously because the Redhawks are aiming to make 2017 the year they end their tourney drought.
Issue Date:
May, 2017
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