After throwing a no-hitter in the 2024 state championship, Michael Belcher sealed his legacy as one of the best baseball players the program has ever seen. The team ended their season with an outstanding record of 29-2. Their only two losses were to St.Paul and Oxford. They took the state by storm in the championship; no one expected a small school in the middle of nowhere to win it all.
The Hawks had what could be debated as their best season in program history last year, but what toll does that leave on the remaining players? Expected to keep up their legacy after losing one of the best pitchers in the state, the Hawks face a daunting mission.
The Hawks had what could be debated as their best season in program history last year, but what toll does that leave on the remaining players? Expected to keep up their legacy after losing one of the best pitchers in the state, the Hawks face a daunting mission.
“The talk about the team has been that we have to make a lot of changes,” said senior player Brett Lato. “Mentally, we have to stay strong all year because we know we’re losing a stud pitcher. We have to bring it together; we have to want it more than last season.”
The Hawks offense is less of a worry then their defense. Division I commit Tyler DeCrecenzo, and All-NVL players Jason Beaudy and Jack Schwenger are just a few of the key players in the Hawks lineup. DeCrecenzo and Schwenger anchor the infield as the Hawks shortstop and second basemen. The team looks to a mystery hero. Who will step up in their time of need to provide the Hawks with the pitching they need?
“Sophomore Tyler Yoxall and senior Jason Beaudy are our big two,” mentioned Lato. “Senior Jack Napoleane will be in the mix as well as sophomore Nick Calabro, senior Bryce DeCrescenzo, and senior Tyler DeCrescenzo.”
With so many options for a starting pitcher, the coaches are tasked with preparing each player the best they can, furthermore making the critical decision of who will start.
“Mentality is the most valuable quality in a pitcher,” mentioned Lato. “If they get in their head the game can go sideways fast.”
Lato ensured that the coaches do a thorough job when it comes to preparing the individual players for the season. The team also has multiple scrimmages on their schedule, reassuring that they will have plenty of time to figure things out before the season starts.
They have been working diligently through the winter, focusing on their speed as a weapon to steal bases and utilize their bunting skills.
“There’s talk about bunting a lot so we can get on base as much as possible,” said Lato. “There are going to be closer games this season. We have to squeak out as many wins as possible.”
The Hawks will do whatever it takes to maximize their scoring efficiency even if it means taking risks on base. The NVL is no cakewalk this year. Teams like Holy Cross, Naugatuck, Oxford, and St. Paul will give the Hawks a run for their money but, the Hawks are not to be underestimated. The work they put in is not to be overlooked.
“There’s a lot of teams that doubt us,” mentioned Lato.
This doubt from the league will either fuel the fire for the Hawks or hold them down, it’s up to the team. With Belcher, Ethan Stepputtis, William Untiet, Maximus Martin, and more seniors gone, the team needs to learn to function as one unit without relying on one player.
“I don’t think it [the loss] will hold us back,” said Lato. “Obviously, we lost a great senior class, but we have a lot of guys who can step up, and the younger kids that put in the work.”
Lato believes that the team is built up for another successful season, we will simply have to wait and see.
The question lingers in all of our minds: will this challenge bring out the best in the team, or will they crush under the pressure?
