Sports

Spring Sports Preview: Vermont Baseball

By DAN BARILE
Eagle Times Correspondent
Green Mountain

Head Coach: Todd Swisher

2023 Results: 15-1, reached D3 semifinals

Outlook: Coming off of a 15-1 season which culminated in an appearance in the Division 3 semifinals, Green Mountain is ready to contend again this season. “We lost two players to graduation, and another two transferred out to prep school,” said first-year Head Coach Todd Swisher. “But ultimately, we have a strong returning core group of players. Ten of our players are back from last year, with the addition of two capable freshmen.” Green Mountain has some big shoes to fill after losing All-SVL players Kaiden McCarthy, Liam O’Brien and Jack Hinckley, but they return a strong foundation with fellow All-SVL players Tate Pellerin (OF/P), Tanner Swisher (C/P/SS), and Andrei Solzhenitsyn (SS). “The strength of our team will likely be a lineup of six or seven really solid hitters, and the emergence of a few more that seem ready and eager to step in and carry some weight,” coach Swisher said. “[We have] a good amount of speed and athleticism throughout the lineup, and positional versatility is also a plus.” When Green Mountain is in the field, Pellerin and Tanner Swisher will likely pitch the majority of the innings, while freshmen Evan Farrar and Mason Parker are also in line to receive time on the mound. “Our goals are pretty consistent with years prior,” coach Swisher said. “Developing good habits, both on and off the field, working to attack our mistakes with accountability, and focusing on increasing the amount of clean, fundamental baseball we play as the season progresses, to be in the best possible situation for a good playoff run.”

Windsor

Head Coach: Jamie Richardson

2023 Results: 2-13, reached D3 quarterfinals

Outlook: Despite finishing the regular season with a 2-13 record last year, Windsor proved to be a tough out in the Division 3 playoffs. The Yellow Jackets won their opening round playoff game before falling 1-0 in the quarterfinals, despite receiving a no-hitter from standout pitcher Johnny Clark. “Our challenges will be like every year, our schedule,” Head Coach Jamie Richardson said. “We play in the tough SVL B Division, so we need to be ready to play every game. We say in Windsor, if you play with heart and hustle, the scoreboard will take care of itself. Win or lose, we get better every game.” Some of the key players returning for Windsor include Lee Bevis (P/IF), Trevor Lagrow (P/OF), Hayden Pascarelli (P/IF), Alden Weld (P/IF), Nate Griffin (P/OF) and Tanner Moody (C/IF). The Yellow Jackets also have some key additions with Gavin Martin (P/OF), Mike Lopez (P/IF), Joey Gaudette (C/P/OF) and Issac Becker (P/IF). “Our strengths should be our leadership and experience,” said Richardson. “We have six returning starters, so we have a good core of battle tested players.”

Bellows Falls

Head Coach: Bob Lockerby

2023 Results: 8-8, reached D3 quarterfinals

Outlook: Bellows Falls fell just shy of the SVL B Division title last year, finishing just a half-game behind Hartford for the top spot. The Terriers will miss First Team All-SVL player Jamison Nystrom, who was dominant on the mound last season, but they have a strong core returning. Senior Cole Moore is expected to play a key role after earning Second Team All-SVL honors last season. In addition to Moore, the Terriers feature five more seniors on the roster including Jaxon Clark (OF/P), Jesse Darrell (IF/P), Trenton Fletcher (OF/IF/P), Curtis Green (OF) and Walker James (OF).

Springfield

Head Coach: Chuck Herriman

2023 Results: 4-11, reached D3 playdowns

Outlook: After an 11-5 record in 2022 as a member of Division 2, Springfield took a step back in 2023 by going 4-11 and falling in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs. The Cosmos will be looking to bounce back this season as they compete with Green Mountain, White River Valley, Stratton Mountain, Leland & Gray and Woodstock for the top spot in the SVL C Division.

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