HOULTON, Maine — For the past two years, the Houlton baseball team has been knocking at the door of winning a regional championship.
Is this the year the team finally walks through that door and contends for a state title?
Veteran coach Jim Castner certainly hopes so. And with a bundle of returning players it is easy to see why he is optimistic.
Houlton finished 14-2 last season with the team ranked second in Class C North going into the playoffs. In the postseason, the Shires blasted No. 10 Sumner, 10-0 in the quarterfinals, but were upset by No. 3 Orono 11-2 in the semifinals.
Two years ago, the squad finished 16-0 and advanced to the regional championship.
“I think we have a very strong team,” coach Castner said. “Last year we lost in the playoffs to Orono, who won the state championship. I feel like our goals are to win more games than we lose, have a home playoff game, win northern Maine, and win the state championship. This is the goal of every team, and we just need to accomplish our goals in sequential order and we have the opportunity to achieve our top goal.”
Houlton’s roster includes seniors Isia Bouchard (first base), Colby Callnan (DH/outfield), Seth Holston (OF), Pat Howe (pitcher/OF), Nick Perfitt (pitcher/shortstop) and Morgan Phillips (catcher); juniors Tyler Bailey (P/OF), Nick Brewer (OF), Ryder Graham (third base), Alex WIlde (OF); and sophomores Jason Collett (second base/P/C) and Keegan Gentle (OF/IF).
The team lost four players to graduation — Nick Botting, Cameron Graham, Dylan Johnston, and Thomas Prescott — who all were key contributors for the Shires. Graham led the team in stolen bases (29) and tossed three complete games on the mound, while Botting led the team in hits (32) and RBIs (24).
Entering his sixth season as the Shires head coach, Castner said the squad has a few hurdles to overcome this spring. The Shires are down to a 14-game schedule after losing Limestone as one of their opponents.
“This can be a small challenge, but I would rather play 14 games against good teams than add two weak opponents that do not provide points and are games for possible injuries,” Castner said. “We also have not even come close to being outside yet. Hopefully we can get down to the (Millar) Civic Center parking lot next week to get some work in fielding fly balls.”
A hard-hitting offense and solid pitching are two strengths of the Shires this season, but that does not mean there isn’t anything for the team to work on this spring.
“I would like to improve on our infield depth this year,” the coach said. “We have a slightly smaller number of players this year than past, and injuries could haunt us if we do not prepare for the worst.”
Houlton is tentatively scheduled to open its season Friday, April 20, at Orono.
