FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — The Tigers have a few holes to fill from last year’s team that made it all the way to the Class D North championship baseball game, but plenty of key players return as they attempt to make another strong run in the playoffs.
John Ala begins his 15th season as the head coach. The squad went 16-1 last season, with the lone loss coming to Bangor Christian in the title game. Shortstop Ryan Player, first baseman/pitcher Jon Bernard, and pitcher Carter Bruce all graduated and are the biggest personnel losses.
Ala will rely on his six senior returnees and a couple other underclassmen to lead the way.
For seniors, Jared Harvey was a pitching ace in 2017 and is back in that role this spring. Isaac Cyr and Malcolm Langner are strong outfielders who hit near the top of the lineup, while Dylan Jandreau and Liam McNamee will start in the infield. Chris Gill is one of the team’s candidates for starting catcher.
Junior Dawson Watson and sophomore Colby Langner played significant roles last season and look to expand on their efforts. Watson catches and Langner should see action on the mound.
The remainder of the roster consists of senior Alex Sprague, who previously played for LCS/MSSM; senior exchange student Lorenzo Viano of Italy; junior Blake Parady; sophomores Jason Bernaiche and Wyatt Keegan; and freshmen Avery Cormier and Kobe West. All will contend for the remaining starting positions.
Ala said that with the loss of some key pitchers from last year’s team, he is trying to develop some arms of the younger players. Still, he likes what he has seen from his group so far during preseason practices.
“Our team is very versatile with depth in many positions,” Ala said. “It gives us the flexibility to change lineups fluidly depending on the factors in a particular game.”
Rob Langner is Ala’s primary assistant coach, while Jon Cole and Bruce also will help out.
