Lakewood Ranger Varsity Baseball Optimistic - Pitching And Defense Key
The Lakewood Ranger Boys Varsity Baseball Team is setting it's goals high as it enters the 2014 campaign. They will attempt to build on the highly successful 2013 squad that finished 22-6 overall and 10-4 (runner-up) in the West Shore Conference. Looking to leverage depth in the pitching department and strong team defense, the Rangers want to contend for the league title and more.
The seventeen player squad will be led by seniors Jameson Foran, Chase Miller, and Danny Zagaria and junior Max Lavisky. While the team lost some key players from last year to graduation, this year’s squad will depend on situational hitting and strong fundamental baseball to make up the difference.
Former Lakewood Ranger and All-State Player Mike Ribar (Class of 1985) returns for his 4th season as head coach and is counting the days until the new season gets underway. “We are definitely a different squad than last year, but definitely have the potential to build on what we have started the past few years,” Ribar commented. Assistant coaches Alex Cammock and Tim LaBar will aid Ribar and the Rangers.
“Foran has been the number one pitcher for us the past two years and I am looking for him to dominate on the mound this year. Miller has some of the best hands in the area and will lead the infield from his shortstop position. I am counting on Zagaria to add pop to the offense and Lavisky is a D-1 prospect and only a junior,” added Ribar. Seniors Zach Moran and Zach Sanderson will be counted to provide quality defense and leadership behind the plate while senior Matt Shestina is expected to add a big stick to the line-up. The coaching staff is expecting senior Amos Kotz to contribute to serve as both a spot starter and middle relief specialist, while speedy newcomer newcomer Dan Mathews will try to mix things up on the bases.
The junior class is solid with Nate Bonacuse slotted for 2nd base and Andrew Lesko expected to take command of centerfield. Kyle Wagner and Nick Mahoney will be stepping in to key roles in the pitching rotation. Aron Doi is expected to contribute in the outfield. Big things are expected of sophomore Ben Bulchik, who will pitch and fill in behind Foran and Lavisky respectively at 3rd and 1st base when they take the pitching hill.
The 2014 schedule of 26 games includes a challenging non-league schedule, five night games, and the popular DiBiasio-Gruss tournament. Coach Ribar responded to the 2014 schedule by saying “A torrid schedule over a six week period will make this season fun and exciting. I hope the weather cooperates and Lakewood fans will come out to support our team. This is a quality group of young men committed to playing the game the right way.”
A quick summary of the 2014 Lakewood Ranger baseball team:
Pitchers – (Starters) Foran and Lavisky return. These two frontline starters bring consistency and an aggressive strike throwing approach to this important role. Kotz, Wagner, Mahoney and Bulchik fill out the rotation and will also serve in needed middle relief roles. (Bullpen) Miller will be the closer.
Catchers – Moran and Sanderson will bring senior leadership and their ball blocking skills to the important catching position.
Infield – Lavisky (1B), Bonacuse (2B), Miller (SS), and Foran (3B). Bulchik will back up 1st and 3rd bases and senior Max Gazdick and junior Joe Young will spell the middle infield positions.
Outfield – Zagaria (LF) and Lesko (CF) will be joined in the outfield by either Mathews, Shestina, or Doi.