DYER BROOK, Maine — Amidst turmoil, the Southern Aroostook Warriors made a return trip to the Class D playoffs last year. This season, the Warriors are again hoping to go deep into postseason and make another run at the regional crown.
First-year coach David Day is expecting a solid baseball season from last year’s Eastern Maine runner-up Southern Aroostook Warriors.
Day, who was the junior high baseball coach, and SACS varsity girls’ softball coach Rob Betschner took over the baseball team last year when longtime coach Murray Putnam was put on administrative leave after an alleged hazing incident on the spring training trip in Boston.
The No. 3 Warriors reached the Eastern Maine finals where they lost, 8-3, to No. 4 Bangor Christian.
However, with eight returning players from a year ago, seven who were consistent starters, coach Day believes the outlook is “pretty good for a competitive season.”
Though the Warriors are familiar with Day’s coaching style, they need to recognize he is going to field the best team he can.
“As a coach, the main message I try convey to the kids is I am not going to play the nine best players, but the best nine players,” he said. “In other words, which nine makes our team the best it can be, regardless of individual talent. One of the roadblocks in coaching is trying to instill the basic principles of teamwork to reach that goal set during preseason.”
Under the tutelage of 44-year coach Putnam, the Warriors built a revered baseball tradition.
“In the past, Southern Aroostook baseball has been straight forward in approaching the game with good hitting and defense,” Day said. “I am confident that nothing will change in that department. I feel that that will be our strength on this team.”
Despite having a solid roster, the Warriors will have to define a regular pitching rotation since their top throwers — Pat Goodall and Vance Gustin — graduated.
“We have three pitchers with some experience, and another three or four with no varsity experience at all,” Day explained. “We have a handful of pitchers that throw descent, but do not have the game experience as far as the situational sense.
“However, with that said, I am confident that by the time the season starts, the kids will at the very least, have the confidence to know what to do when a situation occurs either with runners on base, or what to pitch in certain situations,” he added.
As the season opens, Day has determined the Warriors’ main corps of pitchers are junior Trent Cullinan, sophomore Parker Walker and senior Mason Caron. Providing support will be seniors Dylan Porter and Jesse Boulier; juniors Will McGary and Cody Lassonde and sophomore Gage Lefay.
“Trent is our most experienced pitcher along with Dylan, Jesse and Mason who has seen limited action on the hill,” said Day. “Parker, a second-year player, did not pitch last year, but did pitch for me at the junior high level and I know when needed, he will do fine.”
Cullinan and Lefay also take on the utility-player role, as both are what their coach calls, “versatile athletes.” The duo is adept at playing both infield and outfield when called upon.
Sophomore Austin White who did not play last year, and freshman Joshua Perrin are also players who Day will be bring in to fill whatever position is open.
Lassonde, Walker and McGary will play around the horn.
“Cody, also a first-time varsity player, will fill in most of the role at first base, as well as some catching,” said Day. “Parker will play shortstop for the most part, when he isn’t pitching … he is also a very good catcher and may fill in that role when Will is on the mound. Will is doing the main core of catching. He is such a “headsy” player and is perfect for that position.”
Porter, Boulier and junior Kaleb Burpee will anchor the outfield.
“All three are returning starters, with great range and strong arms in their respected positions,” Day said. Caron will be spending the bulk of his time at third base and possibly some first base when he isn’t pitching. The rest of the roster consists of freshmen Cory Rockwell, Nick LaCharite and Lucas Violette; and seniors Zack Steinberg and Logan Buckley.
“Cory and Zack are our only lefty’s on the team and can fill in nicely as the role of a pinch hitter, and will likely see action as outfielders this year,” said Day. “Lucas and Logan will be filling in at the infield positions when called upon and Nick will play outfield when needed.”
Day is appreciative of the RSU 50 board and community for allowing him this opportunity and for their continuous support to him, the players and the program as a whole.
“I am very excited to be coaching at the varsity level again,” said Day. “I, as well as the players, are looking forward to the upcoming season. There are so many unknowns this early in the season and that is what makes in fun and interesting. Success will be defined on how we improve each and every game to get to the ultimate goal of reaching a state final.”
So far, Day is pleased with how his players are responding to the start of the season.
“The kids have quickly learned that I not only instill the fundamentals of the game, but I also teach them the ‘game’ within the game,” he said. “We have added a few ‘wrinkles’ if you will, in order to keep our opponents guessing.”
The Warriors open their season on Tuesday, April 23 at Hodgdon for a 4 p.m. game against the Hawks. They play Thursday, April 25 in Stacyville at 3:30 p.m. and they will host Limestone/MSSM on Saturday, April 27, at 10 a.m.
