Tiger boys have been big surprise
FORT FAIRFIELD — Led by 11th-year head coach John Ala, the Fort Fairfield baseball team has brought a hard-nosed style to the diamond this spring.
Contributed photo/jMavor Photography
DALTON CASSIDY of the Fort Fairfield Tigers retrieves the ball during an early-season contest against Washburn. Cassidy, a freshman, is the starting catcher for the Tiger baseball team, which has won six of its first nine contests.
This despite almost not being able to field a team due to a lack of numbers when practices began in late-March.
“However, because of a dedicated group of seniors and committed underclassmen, we were able to field a team,” Ala said. “We have a group of guys who desire to play the game and be successful.”
The team is off to a 6-3 start and, according to Ala, have shown improvement “every time out.” The highlight so far is Monday’s 4-3 win over previously-unbeaten Wisdom.
Ala has consistently stressed playing fundamentally-sound ball, and his squad benefits from a good group of assistant coaches as well. Keith Bernier, Mark Dillon and Jon Cole are all adding their experience and expertise to the mix.
“We are very fortunate to have so many committed people to help our program,” stated Ala. “A major strength of our team is the variety of backgrounds and knowledge our assistant coaches bring to the team.”
Although the Fort squad lost seniors Landon Towle, Billy Weissman and Carl Smith from last year’s team, the Tigers have a solid core of players returning from the 2012 campaign, and they should be in the playoff hunt as June rolls around.
Austin Bernier is one of the key players and leads a large senior contingent. Bernier is Fort’s No. 1 pitcher, who plays shortstop when he is not on the mound. He is also excellent at the plate, having hit .400 last year.
Tyler Churchill sees action on the mound, at second base and in left field, and has a proven bat as well. Andrew Tuck plays center field and bats second for the Tigers. He will be counted on to provide leadership. Nate Guimond bats fifth and plays third base, while senior Brandon Clark splits time between the infield and the outfield, depending upon the team’s needs. Collin Cassidy is a first-year player who is improving daily and will see action all over the field.
The Tigers also have a key new player in senior Kyle Doody, who comes from a strong program in Connecticut. He will be the Tigers’ No. 4 hitter and No. 2 pitcher and gives the squad a big boost.
The junior class is led by Ryan Pelkey, who starts at first base and be featured as the lead-off hitter. Carter Shaw is a first-year player and adds depth to the squad in a variety of capacities.
The sophomores include Griffin Robles, who plays both in the infield and outfield, while Mike McLellan plays in left field. Talented freshman Dalton Cassidy is the starting catcher and has already proven to be capable of hitting at the varsity level. Freshman Thomas Krause will see action at second base and in the outfield, while speedster Johnny Theriault is working hard to improve his game. Juniors Madeline Martin and Jordan Sirois are the managers for the team.
“We have a strong core group of seniors who have been dedicated and are determined to make a long playoff run,” Ala said. “Pitching will be a strength this season and will be supported by a veteran group in the field. We look to put ourselves in a solid position to have a successful season and post-season.”
