By Kevin Kelly
MOTHER NATURE, LET US PLAY BALL!!!
With the weather already reeking havoc on the 2017 high school baseball season, coaches are making a mad scramble to find some semblance of playable turf to get outside for practice. I suspect this may be the season of “double-headers.” Having said that, here’s a look at the prospects for our “Townie” baseball players.
- CHARLESTOWN — Anthony Bolger (JR/pitcher) and Caesar Martinez (SO/infielder) are expected to play big roles for the “Townies.” Bolger (6-5 career record) brings a wealth of experience to the mound and Martinez looks to follow up a sensational freshman campaign. Charlestown is also looking to make it’s fifth consecutive MIAA tourney appearance.
- ARLINGTON CATHOLIC — Senior catcher Danny Settipani looks to end his high school career on a high note for what should be a bounce-back season for the Cougars in the extremely competitive Catholic Central League. Also look for freshman phenom pitcher/infielder Jason Smith to emerge as an impact player.
- LATIN ACADEMY — Already ranked #6 in the Division 3 North Boston Herald pre-season poll, the talented Dragons will rely on senior southpaw Chris Tucker (9-3 career record) and junior third baseman Mike Ward to play important roles. Both wield potent bats. LA should also be a lock for the MIAA tourney.
- ST. CLEMENT — Assistant coach Nick Codair, Luke von Hunnius (JR/first base) and Xavier Nunez (SOPH/outfield) have their fingers crossed that this is the year the Anchormen reverse their baseball fortunes. With a plethora of young players, St. Clement can build a solid foundation.
- POPE JOHN XXIII — The Tigers broke a 20-year MIAA tourney drought in 2016 and posted an 8-4 Catholic Central League record to finish in third place. However, six starters from last year graduated. PJ returns two-time All Star shortstop and Boston Herald Player-to-Watch Patrick Kelly, who will be joined by his brother Conor Kelly (SOPH/outfield). The guess here is that the Tigers make it two MIAA tourneys in a row.
MATTY ICE!!!
Providence Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Grzelcyk continues to keep himself on the “call up” radar with 5 goals, 23 assists, 104 shots on net, and a +13 plus/minus in 61 games. Regardless of what happens this year, I predict a “grizzled” Grzelcyk will be a mainstay on the Bruins blue line in 2018.
HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!
Revere senior attacker Eddie Sullivan, one of the premier lacrosse players in the state, drilled home six goals to go along with two assists as the Patriots pounded Everett to the tune of 16-2. Sullivan already holds most every lacrosse school record at Revere.
BISON TENNIAL!!!
Nichols (6-3) freshman midfielder Hughie O’Donnell is second on the Bisons with 24 ground balls and also leads the team with 9 caused turnovers.
PLAY BALL!!!
Charlestown Little League registration is open and being completed on-line this year at the league website (http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=charlestown-l-l).
Registration has been extended until April 21.
I GET A KICK OUTTA YOU!!!
From Charlestown Soccer Board:
Welcome to Charlestown Soccer’s 2017 Spring Travel season. Practice season is up and running, the game schedule is out and we had Opening Day Saturday, April 1. This is a special year for the program because it’s our 10-year anniversary. Over the past decade the program has grown from a small all volunteer-run recreational program to one that provides soccer for more than 400 players in the Fall, Winter and Spring. This year, we will field 17 travel teams including our first ever Under-16 girls team.
We would not be here today were it not for the wonderful Charlestown Soccer community that has developed over the past decade – the parents, guardians and the players. Thank you for your commitment to the program.
We are thankful for the support over the years of Bunker Hill Community College; Celebration Church; Charlestown Boys and Girls Club; Charlestown Community Center; Charlestown Neighborhood Council; City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department; Diversified Auto Port; GP Messer Tax Accountant; Harvard Kent school; MGH Smart Choices; Spaulding Rehab Center and RSM Corporation.
We are immensely proud to have reached this ten-year milestone. The program was started to provide “community soccer for all” so that any child in the community, regardless of their level of athleticism, has the opportunity to play the sport and represent their neighborhood on a team against other communities. We think we have lived up to that mission and look forward to continue to develop our program.