CARIBOU — The Vikings’ baseball team is off to a good start in the early going of the spring season. The squad has won five of its first nine games, already matching its win total from a year ago, and have been competitive in the four losses.
Coach Jimmie Thibodeau is in his 14th year as the leader of the Caribou Vikings, and he and assistant coach Dan Umphrey are pleased with the effort of his team thus far.
“We have performed well so far, and we’ve done it with a total team effort,” Thibodeau said. “Everyone has done their job and it is keeping us competitive.”
The Vikings split with Old Town and Hermon, defeated Houlton twice, defeated Fort Kent once, and suffered a couple of tough losses to John Bapst, including a close 3-2 defeat.
“We seem to improve every time out,” explained Thibodeau.
Last season, Caribou finished 5-11, and missed out of the playoffs. Key players lost from last year’s team include Chad Caverhill and Caleb Chapman. This year, Thibodeau has set a goal of getting back into the playoffs.
“I believe we’re a sleeper team,” said the veteran coach. “Nobody looks at the northern teams, and that may bode well for us.”
The Vikings have a balanced mix of team members and are combining a core of experience with added youth.
The senior class is well represented. Mike Selander provides leadership and starts at catcher. Dean Walker keys the outfield defense from the center field spot. Both Selander and Walker are coming off quality seasons and Thibodeau has high expectations for both. Senior Matt Frost fills another outfield spot, while Nick Whitehead starts at second base.
Leading the junior class are Matt Milliard and Matt Curry. Milliard anchors the infield at shortstop, while Curry alternates between pitching and first base. Both are expected to play a key role in the Vikings’ success. Other juniors include Sean Sadler, a pitcher/shortstop; Cody Hebert, a pitcher/third baseman; Dylan Berkowski in left field, Matt Manter, a utility infielder/designated hitter; Connor Thibeault, a pitcher/infielder, and Nick Matlock, a utility infielder. This is a strong class and they have done a nice job in the first few games, according to Thibodeau.
Sophomore Carter Chabot sees action at first base and other infield positions, while freshman Mason Huck has logged time in the outfield.
The strength of this year’s Viking squad has been fundamental play. The team’s pitching has been good, and the hitters have also been able to get the bat on the ball consistently. The Vikings, who played Presque Isle at home Tuesday, have a good schedule left, including doubleheaders against Ellsworth and Foxcroft Academy and single games against Houlton and PI.
“This has been a good team to coach. I have enjoyed working with them, and I have a lot of hope for these guys,” Thibodeau said.
