HODGDON, Maine — After falling short in its quest to compete for regional and state championships a year ago, the Hodgdon baseball team is eager to get back to work this spring.
By all accounts, the Hawks had a successful year on the diamond a season ago, finishing the regular season with a 13-2 record and securing the No. 2 seed in the Class D North playoffs. Hodgdon earned a first-round bye and beat No. 10 Katahdin, 4-1, in the quarterfinals before falling to No. 3 Fort Fairfield, 12-1, in the semifinals.
With a bundle of returning players this season, could this be the year the Hawks reach their championship goal? Fourth-year coach Seth Dorr certainly hopes so.
Firing a pitch to the plate Saturday is Hodgdon’s Ben Tuttle. (File photo/Joseph Cyr)
“In terms of this year’s team we are a little bit lower in numbers than in years past, but we have 12 solid players who are all ready and eager to make a play-off run,” Dorr said. “We are looking forward to improving on last year’s season.”
What the Hawks lack in numbers, they make up for in talent, as the five seniors on the roster have extensive varsity experience. Sprinkle in two juniors, one sophomore and four freshmen, and Hodgdon may be one of the most well-rounded teams in the Class D North region.
“I believe we will have a solid defense at all positions and will rely heavily on our deep pitching staff, especially with the new pitching rules that are in effect,” Dorr said. “The boys have worked extremely hard in the gym this spring and look forward to showing what they can do on the field.”
The 2017 Hawks include seniors Ethan Henderson, Jordyn Merritt, Dillan Buzzell, Ben Tuttle and Gage Finnemore; juniors Matt Horton and Wyatt Foster; sophomore Andrew Tuttle; and freshmen Josh Foster, Trevor Schools, Will Belyea and Kyle Carver.
Assisting coach Dorr will be Robert Smith, a former Hawk baseball coach. The manager is Bobby Ramsey.
Hodgdon opens its season 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 hosting Washburn.
