CM Baseball: Expectations High in 2015
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP—The 2015 edition of Central Mountain baseball will have much talent from which to choose. Does that mean the Wildcats can break their streak of four straight losses in the District 6 title contest and go on to some postseason greatness? We’ll find out over the next two months.
Coach Mike Kramer knows his team has talent bubbling up through the local baseball programs: “We are blessed at CMHS to have a tremendous feeder program that has been sending us well trained players. This creates for a team with depth. The 2015 team will have the most depth at each position compared to Wildcat teams of the past.”
Kramer said he’ll work with 18 players, some of whom will see both varsity and junior varsity time, this possible because of Wildcat participation in the new Heartland Conference as varsity and jayvee games are scheduled on different days.
“This will create some interesting challenges as a coaching staff, but also allow for multiple options in managerial moves during games. Players on this team will need to buy into the ‘Wildcat Culture’ and the team concept by accepting roles and realizing that we are all in it together. Unselfish players that are willing to sacrifice for the team is the key to this season.”
Returning starters include shortstop/pitcher Zach Skritch, second baseman Dylan Kerstetter, first baseman pitcher Caleb Seyler, first baseman/designated hitter Clayton Butler, outfielder/pitcher Kenny Heverly, outfielder pitcher Toner Corl and outfielder Ethan McGill.
(Three of those veterans have already made their decisions as to where to play college ball next season, Skritch at George Mason, Kerstetter at Pitt-Johnstown and Seyler at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.)
Newcomers/2014 reserves/jayvees looking for playing time include: infielder Talon Falls, infielder Wes Smeal, pitcher/infielder Cole Reeder, first baseman/pitcher Bryce Hanley, outfielder Trapper Kunes, catchers Isaac Porter and Wyatt Koch, pitcher/infielder Alex Garbrick, outfielders Brandon Miller and David Kohen.
The Wildcats for the first time will be part of the District 4-oriented Heartland Conference. Kramer said, “We are excited to compete in a strong baseball conference. We do have some experience with teams in the Heartland. We have played Jersey Shore, Montoursville and Loyalsock.”
For postseason purposes Central Mountain will again compete at the Quad-A level in District 6 where the Wildcats have lost four straight close games in the district final. Again the field will be strong. Kramer said defending champion State College, Mifflin County and Altoona are all returning most of their pitching staff. “We will need to play well when facing each one of these teams.”
If the weatherman cooperates and the geese are gone from Mill Hall Community Park, the Wildcats will be hosting Jersey Shore this Friday. Next week’s schedule includes a Monday trip to Middleburg to take on Midd-West High School and a Wednesday visit to Bellefonte.
