DANFORTH, Maine — It is the second year of a cooperative agreement between East Grand and Greater Houlton Christian Academy to join together for high school baseball.
This year’s second-year varsity team, coached by Chris Young and Rex Crocker, has another young roster, but with 15 talented players. Last year, the squad was 3-9.
“We do not have any seniors,” said coach Chris Young. “We proved we could be competitive last season and we want to build on that this year.”
The East Grand/GHCA team is looking for a playoff berth.
“It is a reasonable and achievable goal for this group,” Young added.
Leading the team will be East Grand junior Jim Schuurman, who pitches, plays third and catches. He hit .340 last season and according to Young, “was a valuable pitcher.” This year, Schuurman will be expected to get the majority of innings and to help young pitchers develop quickly, Young added.
East Grand sophomores Wyatt Oliver and Peter Apgar will be counted on for big contributions, said Young.
“Both are important hitters, as they occupy the third and fourth spots in the batting order,” he added. “Both should get on base and be counted on for extra base hits.”
Oliver will be the designated hitter and will see time at first base, while Apgar will play center field and be the second pitcher in the rotation.
East Grand players sophomore Josh Jones, junior Billy Apgar and freshmen Brady McEwen, Thomas Gilman, Trevor Noyes and Lendin Stoddard, will all be reliable contributors and will play several fielding positions.
The young squad is still looking for a catcher, but East Grand junior Trevor Fronzack and freshman Isaiah Stoddard look promising, Young said.
Rounding out the squad are eighth-graders Matthew Apgar, East Grand, along with Cole Winslow and Isaac Potter of GHCA.
Winslow will be in the pitching rotation and will see some innings, while Potter and Apgar will be playing outfield.
“We have some depth, and think we will be able to hit the ball and score runs,” said Young. “Pitching will be the key as we need to develop a third and fourth pitcher, who we can count on to throw strikes.”
Opening day for East Grand/GHCA will be May 1 against Wisdom at 4 p.m. at Central Aroostook High School.
