Season Preview Baseball 2011
The 2011 Penn State Greater Allegheny baseball program comes into the 2011 season with high expectations. The Lions are coming off a season which saw they capture the League Championship with a perfect 16-0 record and a third consecutive trip to the USCAA National Championships. The 2011 edition boasts a wealth of talent from top to bottom. "This is the first time in our program's history that upperclassmen will take the field, upperclassmen with post-season experience" said Head Coach Jim Chester. "On paper this is the best team we have had here in four years" added Chester. "Our key players are juniors, and we have added one of the best small college recruiting classes in Western Pennsylvania" Juniors Jon Lutz (West Mifflin, PA/West Mifflin) and Ted Fricke (Carrick,PA/Carrick) are both captains and look to anchor a solid pitching staff. Fricke will also be one of the Lions top position players at second base. "These two guys have been here from the beginning, and they look to improve on their impressive sophomore campaigns."
Sophomore Mike Visloski (McDonald, PA/West Allegheny) is the reigning PSUAC Player of the Year and USCAA All-American. He will man the right field position with Freshman Zak Schmidt (Moon, PA/Moon Area) taking over in center. The left field spot is up for grabs, Sophomores Matt Bradburn (Baldwin, PA/Baldwin) and Mike Uhouse (West Mifflin, PA/Seton La Salle). Also Freshman Tyler Amrhein (McKees Rocks, PA/Mountour), Tyler Kugler (McKeesport, PA/Serra), and Christian Blackwell (Philadelphia, PA/) will be fighting for playing time. "This is a very talented group, I am very excited to watch this group develop and grow" said Chester.
Many new and old faces will be in this year's infield. At third base there is a trio of players look to make contributions in 2011: Sophomore Jason Paris (Houston, PA/Chartiers Houston), Freshman Brian Ripper (West Mifflin, PA/West Mifflin), and Freshman Adam Wehr (Onefield, PA/Northwestern Lehigh). At Shortstop Freshman Scott Dierdorf (Aliquippa, PA/Hopewell) had an excellent fall along with Freshman Dan Laird (Munhall, PA/Steel Valley). At second base, Junior Ted Fricke returns for his third season as a starter. Freshman Kevin Quinn (West Mifflin, PA/West Mifflin) will add much needed depth after a successful high school career. At first base, Sophomore Robbie Shartle (Meadville, Pa/Meadville) returns after spectacular freshman campaign. Freshman Sam Weightman (Harrison City, PA/Penn Trafford) will add great depth, along with being solid DH candidate."This is a very talented group offensively and defensively, any of these young men when called upon will be able to produce" said Chester.
On the mound, Juniors Fricke and Lutz look to be two very solid conference starters. Freshman Scott Dierdorf has an amazing high school career, and will log many conference innings in 2011. The number four starter is a battle among a group of very talented freshman: Tim Connelly (Pittsburgh, PA/Woodland Hills), Jeff Ziegler (West Mifflin, PA/West Mifflin), Brian Balagurchik (Purcellville, VA/Notre Dame Academy), and Justin Crosmun (Verona, PA/Penn Hills). "This is the first time in our four years that we can go ten deep, many different options for many different situations" said Chester.
In 2011, a different face will behind the dish. The Lions have added Senior Nathan Raffle (Hermnie, PA/Point Park), Freshman Bill Hodgetts (West Mifflin, PA/West Mifflin), Freshman Doug Walter (Pittsburgh, PA/Central Catholic). "Raffle brings a wealth of college experience, and Hodgetts had a stellar fall" said Chester "Hopefully this group will push each other day in and day out"