2004 SEASON PREVIEW

The 2003 season was a rebuilding year for the Trailblazers.  The team struggled for the majority of the season finishing a disappointing 5^th in the MASCAC conference.  The 2004 squad however, returns a host of starters.  Seven players return to the lineup, while the entire pitching staff remains intact.  The Trailblazers are looking to get back into contention in this year’s race for the conference crown.  The 2004 schedule will boast many challenges to this year’s team.  Besides the tough conference slate, non-conference opponents include RPI, Williams, Springfield, and Babson.  The team will be traveling south during spring break to Port Charlotte, Fl.  They have a demanding schedule in Florida with 11 games in 11 days.  Here is a breakdown for the 2004 baseball team.

Coaching Staff:

Coach Jeff Puleri enters his second season at the helm.  Puleri served as the pitching instructor for three seasons before taking over last year.  He will continue to work with the pitchers, trying to regain the form that made MCLA pitching tops in the conference for the 2002 season.  New to the staff this season is Tim Flaherty.  Coach Flaherty will serve as the team’s hitting instructor.  Flaherty comes to MCLA fresh off a pro career that is still in progress.  He will look to improve on the team’s offensive numbers this season.  Tim Shepardson will also join the staff this season.  He will work primarily with the outfielders and hitters.  Coach Shepardson was a standout at American International College in Springfield under former MCLA coach Joe Zavattaro.  Rounding out the staff this season will be Tom Rizzo.  Coach Rizzo was a standout at MCLA from 1985-1987.  He will work primarily with the infielders.  Coach Rizzo was most recently the assistant at Becker College.

Catcher:

The Trailblazers lost All-Conference catcher Shaun Richard to graduation.  He will be replaced by either freshman Joe Belmosto (Marshfield, MA), or sophomore transfer Ricky Roberts (Leverett, MA).  Belmosto possesses solid defensive skills.  He has good potential at the plate and could become a regular in the lineup.  Roberts comes to MCLA after a one year stint at AIC.  He should develop into a solid offensive player and will compete for time as the teams DH.  The future looks bright for the Trailblazers behind the plate.

First Base:

Returning to the diamond this season is fifth year senior Chris Bailey (Sunderland, MA).  Bailey, who is coming off a red shirt season, was elected captain of this year’s team.  He will be looked upon to drive in runs, while being a team leader.  Challenging Bailey for playing time will be sophomore Matt Murphy (Boston, MA) and freshman Paul McManus (Stillwater, NY).  Murphy produces a good glove while developing into a solid gaps hitter.  McManus is a line drive hitter with the ability to hit for power.  Sophomore Ricky Roberts will also see innings as a first baseman.  All three could also see time as the designated hitter.

Second Base:

Senior captain Travis Brodowski (Hudson, NY) returns as the starter.  He combines great range with quick hands in the field.  He is also one of fastest players on the team.  Brodowski is a tireless worker who will be counted on to score runs.  Other options at second include junior John Maguire (Lakeville, MA) or senior transfer Ben Tyer (Keene St/Lee, MA).  Senior Shawn Senecal (North Adams, MA) could also see time at second.

Shortstop:

There will be a three way battle for the starting job at shortstop.  Junior John Maguire has the most experience at the position.  Battling for playing time will be Ben Tyer and converted third basemen Matt Lasalle (Marston Mills, MA).  All three possess good defensive skills.  Whoever produces at the plate will have the inside track to the position.  This should be one of the more competitive spots on the team.

Third Base:

Returning to the position after an injury plagued junior season is captain Scott Patenaude (North Adams, MA).  Patenaude has a great glove and a strong arm to complement his offensive skills.  Patenaude will be counted on to drive in runs from the middle of the lineup.  Freshman Pat Redmond (Charlton, MA) will backup Patenaude.  Redmond has solid defensive skills with very good offensive potential.  Sophomore Tom Hevey (Chicopee, MA) will also get a look at third.  Hevey is also a member of the MCLA Soccer Team.  He is a tremendous competitor with a good bat at the plate. 

Outfield:

The outfield returns two starters from last season.  Senior Jamison Rigoli (Bolton, MA) will lead the way.  Junior Bob Howland (Rockaway, NJ) will return to his right field position.  Both outfielders will be counted on offensively.  They both possess good speed with good pop.  Competing for time in the outfield will be Joe Belmosto, and junior Chris Flynn (Pittsfield, MA).  Tom Hevey should also get some opportunities in the outfield.  Freshman Scott Nimons (Pittsfield, MA) will also compete for time in the outfield.

Pitching Staff:

The entire 2003 staff returns with a year under their belts.  Junior Steve Hemingway (Mattapoisett, MA) will lead the staff after a solid sophomore season at MCLA.  Hemingway was a second team all-conference selection last season.  Sophomore Gary Hicks (Buckland, MA) will look to build upon a tremendous freshman season where he led the team in wins and strikeouts.  Another sophomore, Seamus Morrison (Pittsfield, MA), should be the third starter in the rotation.  Morrison earned valuable experience last season that should carry over into a solid sophomore campaign.  Battling for the fourth slot will be sophomore Matt Murphy and junior Rich Dumas (Winthrop, MA).  Both saw limited action last season.  Ben Tyer should be the team’s closer and could see a spot start.  Rounding out the staff will be senior Shawn Senecal.  He should see time out of the bullpen.  All in all the staff should be improved from where it left off last season.

2004 SCHEDULE

2004 ROSTER