PAC BASEBALL PREVIEW

BOYERTOWN

Manager: Todd Moyer, 28th season 2019record: 11-5PAC, 14-7overall (District 1-6A second round)

Players to watch: Trey Yesavage, Sr.; Ethan Martin, Sr.; Ryan Willing, Sr.; Jonathan Myers, Sr.; Cole Hertzler, Sr.

Outlook: Boyertown has five players with varsity experience from two years ago, including senior pitcher Trey Yesavage (East Carolina), a second team All-Area pitcher in 2019when he tossed a no-hitter as a sophomore. Senior Cole Hertzler (Liberty) gives Boyertown another Division I arm in its rotation and a big bat in the lineup. The Bears last won a PAC title in 2018haven’t gone three-or-more years without a league championship since 2009-11.

METHACTON

Manager: Paul Spiewak, 18th season 2019record: 12-4PAC, 16-8overall (PAC semifinals, District 1-6A quarterfinals) Players to watch: Kevin Trafford, Sr., OF; Nolan McCloskey, Jr., OF/2B. Outlook: Senior Kevin Trafford and junior Nolan McCloskey were part of the Warriors’ lineup in 2019when they won their first Liberty Division championship and advanced to the District 1quarterfinals. McCloskey is one of just five 2019All-PAC players returning to the league. “Given the number of starters that graduated from the last two seasons, especially on the mound, we have great opportunities for players to be competing with each other for starting positions all over the field,” coach Paul Spiewak said. “Our seniors have been doing a great job of leading this group towards doing the right things towards success, and we have a tremendous group of underclassman that are working hard every day. The 2021team is very much looking forward to the challenge of proving to ourselves and to our opponents that we can compete at a high level in one of the toughest baseball conferences in the state of Pennsylvania. ”

NORRISTOWN

Manager: Luke Stem, second season 2019 record: 3-13 PAC, 4-14 overall Players to watch: Jimmy Keyes, Sr., SS; Gabe Tello, Sr., 3B/P; Logan Sigg, So., CF; Dylan Duke, So., 1B/ P; Jacob Ronca, So., C/3B,/OF.

Outlook: The Eagles only have three projected starters back from 2020and have a large number of freshmen and sophmores on the roster this season. Senior shortstop and captain Jimmy Keyes will be leaned on both on and off the field. “So far this preseason the team has looked very good defensively,” coach Luke Stem said. “We have players all around the field that are very talented and have shown an ability to make all the plays. I expect us to have a solid defense this year and really help out our pitchers. Our guys know that they will need to be sound defensively and do their jobs offensively. At the plate, we are seeing a lot of consistent contact. Our players are focused on being smart with their approaches and getting their timing down for our first game of the season.”

OWEN J. ROBERTS

Manager: Greg Gilbert, 22nd season 2019record: 11-5PAC, 14-8overeall (PAC semifinals, District 1-6A second round) Players to watch: Sam Morris, Sr., P; Grant Reitz, Sr., C; Dean Mihos, Jr., SS; Aaron Kirby, Jr., OF; Sam Cermele, Sr., 1B; Ethan Sabatino, Jr., INF; Jared Berish, Jr., P; Blaine Waltimyer, Jr., P/INF. Outlook: The Wildcats broke a three-year District 1playoff drought in 2019. Senior Sam Morris was one of the PAC’s top arms and top bats two seasons ago. He is the lone 2019first team All-Area returner still around. “The league is looking to be competitive again this year with some teams having some top notch pitching returning,” coach Greg Gilbert said. “Without having a season last year, varsity experience will be scarce and the teams that can mature to compete at the varsity level quickly will benefit.”

“While we have many unknowns due to missing the season last year, we seem to have a high number of arms this season. If we can become consistent in the strike zone and throw multiple pitches for strikes we hope to keep hitters guessing.”

PERKIOMEN VALLEY

Manager: Ryan Hinkle, ninth season 2019record: 9-7PAC, 11-8overall (District 1-6A first round)

Players to watch: Michael Tinneny, Sr., INF; Jake Stasyk, Sr., C/INF; Jake Alderfer, Sr., P/OF; Jack Colyer, Jr., P/INF/OF Outlook: The Vikings were upperclassmen heavy the last time they officially took the field, so PV has almost no official varsity experience. Ignoring the 2020cancelled campaign, PV brings into 2021a streak of five straight seasons (2015-19) making the District 1playoffs. “This group is looking forward to competing on the field after losing a season last year due to COVID-19,” coach Ryan Hinkle said. “There is only one player on the roster with varsity innings, so players will look to compete for playing time. This group is energetic and hopes to improve upon performances of prior teams. The PAC is one of the most competitive conferences in the state, and we hope to remain competitive throughout the season.”

PHOENIXVILLE

Manager: Geoff Thomas, second season (fourth overall)

2019record: 11-5PAC, 15-6overall (PAC champion, District 1-5A first round) Players to watch: JJ Allen, Sr., 1B/DH/C; Justin Geiger, Sr., C/INF; Jason Bilotti, Sr., P/UT/DH; Kade Breisblatt, Sr., P/OF; Michael Memmo, Sr., P/INF; Drew Kingsbury, Jr., P/1B/DH

Outlook: The Phantoms enter 2021as the league’s last champion, winning their first PAC title in 17years two seasons ago. Though many of the faces from that squad are gone, pitchers Drew Kingsbury and Jason Bilotti started and closed the championship contest, while senior Justin Geiger was the backstop for the championship squad. Just like in 2019, Phoenixville has a senior-laden group with 13seniors. “Our pitching is a strong point for our team this year,” coach Geoff Thomas said. “We need to fill in puzzle pieces and find the best positions for players to keep their arms healthy. I am excited to see the guys in action. Our goal will be to utilize our pitching strengths, play solid defense, and execute offensively. We can’t wait to get going. These boys deserve the opportunity for a successful spring.”

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Manager: Charles Deluzio, 2nd season 2019record: 5-10PAC, 6-11overall (District 1-4A first round)

Players to watch: Nik Rubendall, Jr., OF/ INF/P ; Matt Kossey, Sr., P; Frank Dimaio, So., INF; DJ Clarke, Jr., OF; Gavin Feulner, Fr.,