Blue Mountain League’s 75th season starts Tuesday
The amateur league will feature 10 teams playing a 27-game schedule
Like so many annual traditions canceled by COVID-19, the Blue Mountain League was kept off the field by the coronavirus in 2020.
The amateur baseball league has been part of the spring and summer sports calendar in the Lehigh Valley since 1946 when Bangor, East Bangor, Easton, Johnsonville, Martins Creek, Pen Argyl, Portland, Roseto, Stockertown, Tatamy, West Bangor and Wind Gap were the 12 charter members.
The league has seen many transformations over the years in terms of teams, sites and formats, but at its core are baseball guys who love to play the game they have been playing since they were children.
The Blue Mountain League is back this year for its 75th season with 10 teams, down one from 2019. The season starts with four games Tuesday night and teams will compete through July in a 27-game season with the top six teams advancing to the playoffs.
The Limeport Bulls won the last BML championship in 2019 and have taken four of the last five titles. They will be formidable again this season.
With an assist from league publicity
director Tim Fisher, here’s a look at the BML’s 10 teams:
Berlinville Braves
Co-managers: Cody Krupa, Jeff Erschen Home field: Bryfogle Park, Berlinsville 2019 record: 10-19
Key players: C-1B-3B Austin Mueller (.375, 7 2B, 10 RBIs); IF Jake Augustus (.250, 7 RBIs); C George Jenkins; P Kyle Friebolin
Outlook: “We’re very excited to be able to return in 2021 with what should be a young, athletic core group of players,” Krupa said.
Easton Falcons
Managers: Carm LaDuca, Greg Hess, Ellis Weitzman, Keith Tone
Home field: Easton High School
2019 record: 18-17, swept Northern Yankees 2-0 in a first-round series, lost 3-0 to Northampton in semis
Key players: All-league catcher Corey Webb (.375, 6 doubles, 2 triples, HR); SS Sean Boylan (.351, 20 RBIs); OF-1B Trey Durrah (.319, 209 RBIs); P Scott Paulson (5-2, 44 ⅔ innings); P Matt Lanzone (2 wins)
Outlook: ”A dozen young but eager players return,” Weitzman said. “This year’s squad is excited to return to the league semifinals or better after making it to the semifinals in 2019.”
Hellertown Royals
Bob Zerfass and Joey
Co-managers:
Troxell
Home field Dimmick Park
2019 record: 15-15
Key players: OF Ian Burley (.28, 8 2Bs); P Ryan Amey; DH Matt McBride; OF Ben Piripavel; P Caleb Gross; C Pat Morissey Outlook: “The Royals will be adding a dozen new faces in addition to a handful of returning veterans,” Zefass said. “Ian Burley, a 20-year veteran, will lead the position players and Ryan Amey, a 19-year veteran, will lead the pitching staff.” The key new addition will be former Liberty High and Lehigh University standout and former major leaguer Matt McBride.
Keystone Precision Orioles
Manager: Zach Delp
Home field: Egypt Memorial Park
2019 record: 17-15, lost to Martins Creek 2-0 in the first round of the playoffs
Key players: OF Zach Delp (.356, 8 doubles, 7 HRs, 26 RBIs); 1B-C-DH Nick Delp (.358); 1B-3B-P Pat Bet; P Evan McAndrew (4 wins, no-hitter for Hellertown); Jake Meyers (4 wins); UT-P Jeffrey Charles (.346); IF-P Trey Hinkle (.500); C Zach Merkle (.378 for Hellertown); P Justin Jachowicz; P Caleb Fick. Outlook: Delp said: “We have a good mix of guys returning and new additions for 2021. The Orioles are going to be a problem for opposing teams.”
Limeport Bulls
Manager: CJ Saliby
Home field: Limeport Stadium
2019 record: 28-10, defeated Martins Creek 3-0 in semis; Northampton 3-2 in championship series
Key players: C-OF Damin Muth (.319, 20 RBIs); 1B-OF Dan Hemberger (.366); 2B-OF Andrew DeCew (.310); Matt Dobeck (.407, 5 2Bs); Gianni Sinatore (.280); P Cooper Michael (7-1), P Luke Miller (3-1); P Adam Maini (3-2, 4 saves) Outlook: “A year off has caused some turnover, but there is enough talent to compete,” said new player-manager CJ Saliby, who succeeds Mike Cudwadie, who along with others built the Bulls into a dynasty. “The goal as always is to play deep into August and defend the 2019 championship.”
Limeport Dodgers
Manager: Andy Robison
Home field: Limeport Stadium
2019 record: 10-19
Key players: C Doug Malitsch (.426, 4 2Bs); IF-OF-P Jeff Cavanaugh (.376); OF-1B Kyler Newton (.352, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HRs); IF-P Brian Robison (22 hits, 2 wins); C-DH-1B Eric Schmitt (.368); IF-P Brian Ernst (.488, 19 RBIs, 5-0, Turoscy Formula winner as pitcher) Outlook: “The Dodgers will have a good mix of players this year,” Robison said. “A few veterans return along with some key.” Robison expects the Dodgers to be a fun team to watch.
Martins Creek
Manager: Jared Monti
Home field: Pacchioli Field, Lower Mount Bethel Township
2019 record: 17-17, defeated Orioles 2-0 in first round; lost 3-0 to Limeport Bulls in semis
Key players: OF-P Brian Del Rosso (.373); 1B-3B Brandon Mazzie (all-league first baseman .382, 30 RBIs, 6 doubles, 7 HRs); IF-OF Elliott Freeman (.273); P-UT Zach Karasek; P Brett Wagner; P Nate Mikulski
Outlook: “After some major changes to the Martins Creek franchise and the loss of a season, the Creekers are eager to get back on the field,” new manager Monti said. “We will need to utilize the entire roster for a successful season.”
Northampton Giants
Manager: Nate Kester
Home field: Lisetski Field, Northampton High School
2019 record: 27-10, defeated Easton 3-0 in the semifinals, lost to Limeport 3-2 in finals
Key players: 1B Nate Kester (.326, 10 2Bs, 4 HRs, 29 RBIs); C-3B Steve Sulcoski (.352, 16 RBIs, 6 doubles, 4 HRs); 3B-DH-P Hugh Harris (.378); OF-3B-C Jake Wandler (.297, 14 RBIs); 2B Brady Mengel (.422); P Daron Whitmore; P Noah Durnin (6-0); P Rod Berger (5-0). Outlook: “We have lost some key players,” said new player-manager Kester, who takes over for Ed Wandler, who built Northampton into a perennial power. “There are many new faces and they look like they will be contributors from the start. I’m expecting to continue to being a competitive team within the league.”
Northern Yankees
Manager: Brian Polaha
Home field: Egypt Memorial Park
2019 record: 18-14, lost to Easton 2-0 in the first round of playoffs
Key players: OF-1B Trevor Schriner (.278); IF-P Justin Kratz (3 wins, .300); C Allen Umbenauer (.267); Rookie of the Year P Peter Woltersdorf (7-0, 47 innings); MVP all-league 3B Casey Rother; DH Daniel Keer; OF Jacen Nalesnik
Outlook: Polaha said the Yankees have a talented roster and are primed for another trip to the playoffs. “We have a good mix of solid veterans and talented newcomers who will set the pace for the season,” he said. “If the pitching holds up, the Yankees should be in the mix come early August.”
Roseto Bandits
Manager: Jarred Randolph
Home field: Bangor Memorial Park 2019 record: 6-24
Key players: OF-P Mike Agosto (.350, 3-1); 1B Tom Young (12 RBIs); C-P Shane Beyer (.303, 9 RBIs); OF-P Isaac Tucker; SS Josh Vaiera
Outlook: “We have some new guys who haven’t played in the league yet, but they are excited for what they are bringing,” Randolph said. “Those guys combined with the guys we have returning, we can have a competitive team this summer.”