HODGDON, Maine — Fresh off a fantastic schoolboy basketball season that concluded with the Hawks bringing home the state championship, fans of the team have to wonder, “Could a baseball title be next?”
A new coach is at the helm for the Hawks this season as Seth Dorr takes over the program from Robbie Smith. Dorr, an alumnus of Hodgdon High School, served as an assistant coach with the team a season ago when Hodgdon finished 12-4.
Hodgdon was the No. 1 seed in Eastern Class D, but was upset in the playoffs, 8-0, by No. 9 Katahdin in the quarterfinal round. Many players from that squad, however, were lost to graduation, leaving coach Dorr to look to new faces this year.
“Last year we lost a lot of talent and leadership to graduation,” Dorr said. “However, I believe the foundation for good baseball is still there and we have some great young student-athletes that will continue to improve as the season progresses. They will make a huge, positive impact on this season.”
The Hawks have just two seniors on the roster — Tyler Sherman (infielder/pitcher) and Anthony Mazzacco (outfielder/catcher) — who will be called upon to provide key leadership on the field. Coach Dorr said both Sherman and Mazzacco are strong defensive players.
The juniors include Ethan Fink (utility/pitcher), Dakota Brown (first base/third base/pitcher), Tristan Larson (first base/designated hitter) and first-year player Joe Silliboy (utility); sophomores include Blake Woods (first base), Sam Horton (pitcher/utility), Kendrick Wilson, (catcher) and first-year player Jimmy Buzzell (catcher).
The Hawks also have a bundle of freshmen on the roster. They include Danny Gillotti (outfield), Dillan Buzzell (pitcher/outfield), Jordyn Merritt (infield/pitcher), Daden Palmer (outfield), Gage Finnemore (third base), Ethan Henderson (infield/pitcher), Derrick Hoskins (utility) and Brandon Smith (manager).
“I believe this team’s strength will be its overall defense,” Dorr said. “As the season progresses, I hope to continue to improve our pitching, our overall understanding of the game, as well as our ability to execute and play smart baseball.”
Dorr added he expects many players to contribute in big ways on this year’s team.
“From our first-year players to our fourth-year players, all have been working hard and are eager to hit the field,” he said.
