Post 86 American Legion team loaded with talent
Wilton, Weston combine to load the field with talent
WILTON — Ian Thoesen has been the coach of the Wilton Post 86 American Legion baseball team for so long now that some of his players weren’t even born when he started.
Looking out onto the diamond this season, however, Thoesen might have one of his most talented teams.
It’s shown so far this summer as Wilton is off to an 8-4 start and in second place of the Zone 4 Senior Legion standings.
“We have a great mix and they’ve blended well,” Thoesen said. “We’ve got kids home from college, we’ve got Wilton kids, Weston kids. I like our core guys and I like our chemistry. We’re jelling together and playing well.”
The Post 86 squad is strong on the hill, running eight pitchers deep.
The Weston-based duo of Ryan Orefice, who is playing club ball at Texas Tech, and Andrew Weinbrum lead the charge, along with Wilton High’s Ryan Gabriele and Brendan Skewis.
Toss in arms like Otto Stenzler, Will Holmquist, Ben Olson and Henry Stremecki and the Post 86 staff has depth.
“We have some depth if everybody stays healthy,” Thoesen said.
The veteran coach also has an ace up his sleeve that he might be able to use.
Billy Black —who pitched Wilton to an FCIAC title two years ago, and pitched at Columbia University — is on the roster, but coming off an injury.
Once he gets clearance to play — if he gets clearance to play — that’s one more quality pitcher for Post 86.
“Hopefully we’ll get him sometime in July,” Thoesen said.
Behind the plate, Post 86 has two of the best in Zone 4 in Jack DiNanno and Cole Judelson. When one is catching, the other will likely DH.
Former Warriors standout Collin Kahal heads the middle of the infield along with Weston second baseman Scott Lyon.
At first base, Olson and Jack Forgione will see most of the action.
At the other corner, Weinbrum and Chris Tienken will man things.
In the outfield, Stremecki, Skewis, Tienken, Holmquist, Max English and Dom Romeo all give Thoesen flexbility with his lineup.
“I think we’re always going to compete,” Thoesen said. “The season is a grind, but the kids love it. I’m just trying to keep them loose. We’re at halfway point (on Sunday), so we’re taking it day by day.”
The goal, as always, is to qualify for the state tournament.
“The top four teams make it and we’re in second, so we control our own destiny,” Thoesen said. “We just have to focus on things game by game.”
Zone 4 is always one of the best in the state, and Stamford, Trumbull and Greenwich all return strong squads, along with a muchimproved Norwalk team.
For Wilton, though, the summer of 2018 might be one for 17th-year coach Ian Thoesen to remember.