Plymouth Baseball Preview

Plymouth Baseball Preview

Gary Zirpolo
For The Clock
Gjzirpolo@plymouth.edu

&

Justin Siewierski
Editor-in-Chief
js2010@plymouth.edu

As one sports season ends, the spring season has officially begun. There will be many new faces on the Baseball squad this 2016 season but one face in particular is first year head coach Clay Jenkins. Jenkins returns to the Panthers baseball team after working with the pitching staff for four seasons as well as associate head coach with Dennis McManus, who retired last season. Jenkins was ecstatic to make the jump from an assistant to a leader.

“I'm very excited. I've been fortunate to have a few years’ experience with the program, so it's a much easier transition than having no prior affiliation. We have a great group of guys on the roster, and a fantastic coaching staff. The combination of those two things is making my first year very enjoyable and stress-free” said Jenkins. The transition from being on the pitching staff to leading the team was helpful for Jenkins when he was appointed to be the new coach. “The transition has its challenges in that there are increased team responsibilities. These additional team responsibilities require more time, thought and energy. However, because our staff is prepared and organized, it allows us to be creative in ways that insure our pitcher's continued growth.”

The Panthers season will continue down in Fort Meyers, Florida over the spring break to play teams from around the country (the team split their first double header against Becker: see article). Three of which received National votes (Bethel, Amherst and Johns Hopkins). After eight days in Florida, the team comes home to face a nine game road tour before returning home on April 11th.

During the season, the team is filled with new faces and big bats. Second basemen Nate Frederick (Worcester, Mass), shortstop Matt Decina (Hopkinton, Mass), DH Mike Bailey (Stratford, NH), and right fielder James Riley-Garnett (Newport, RI.) will try to compete for offensive titles during the regular season. New additions to the pitching rotation are David Sampson (Bellingham, Mass), and transfer Taylor Doyle (Peterborough, NH.), along with Cam Cossette (Milford, Mass) and Kyle McCarthy (Nashua, NH). Returning to the lineup this year on the corners are captains David Hall (Groton, Conn) and first baseman Jarek Krejewski). Back on the mound for the Panthers is grad Student Captain Cody Gilchrist (Tyngsboro, Mass) along with Matti Doxter (Somersworth, NH), Connor MacRae (Newburyport, Mass) Dallas Defrancesco (Meriden, Conn.) and Ryan Perro (Glen Head, NY). Plymouth also has their starting three outfielders from last season, in seniors Mike Laflamme (Bedford, NH), Justin Walsh (Goffstown, NH) and sophomore Luke Mancini (Scotia, NY). Upperclassman Jake Broom (New London, NH) and freshman Nate Frederick (Worcester, Mass.) look to lock down the middle infield.

When asked about whether or not the team could make it to the postseason, Jenkins is optimistic about the idea of a possible playoff berth. “Our guys are working as hard as any team I've ever seen. They are adopting new ideas and being educated on both a team and individual basis. The attitude is everything you want in a competitive team. The combination of our knowledge, worth ethic, energy and talent should launch us into the playoffs and be able to compete at the highest levels.”