HARVARD — Not a lot of time needed to be spent on introductions when the Bromfield baseball teams started preseason practices, With everyone back from last year’s team, familiarity is breeding optimism concerning a long awaited run for a District berth for the program.
“Both the players and I know that a District berth is attainable this season,” said Bromfield coach John Neusch. “The kids understand that and are working hard to make it happen. We have the experience that having everyone back brings. We have a very versatile group of kids that provide me with a number of options. The keys to the season are to avoid injuries and to find a complement on the mound to Jake (Lurvey).”
Lurvey provides strength on the mound, in the field and at the plate.
“Jake is in his third varsity season and he gives us a chance to win every game he pitches,” said Neusch. “He is a power pitcher with command. Offensively, he will hit clean-up and provides good power. Defensively he has a good glove and provides a big target for the infielders. Jake also brings leadership to the table and is one of our captains.”
The other captain is senior leftfielder Tom Charron.
“Tom gives us leadership and experience,” said Neusch. “His arm is strong this year and he will be the cornerstone of our outfield. He will hit either fifth or sixth in the lineup.”
Much of the remaining starting lineup will be dependent upon who is pitching, but Neusch has many solid choices in place.
Senior catcher Stephen Castro can also pitch and play first base.
“Stephen will start somewhere,” said Neusch. “He is versatile, fundamentally sound and has a strong arm and has varsity experience under his belt.
Junior Will Byler is a catcher-third baseman-pitcher.
“Will is solid defensively at both catcher and third base,” said Neusch. “He is a line-drive hitter who will bat third.”
Starting at shortstop, except when he pitches will be junior Derek Silver.
“Derek is starting for the third year and give us great experience,” said Neusch. “He is athletic and has good range. Offensively, he is a contact hitter with speed. He knows how to get on base and will bat lead-off.”
Junior Will Nocka is another versatile player, who will see time at third base, second base and on the mound.
“Will got good varsity time last season,” said Nocka. “He is a solid contact hitter and he will start a number of games for us.”
Sophomore Mitch Williams is a second baseman-outfielder who contributed as a freshman.
“Mitch got a lot of playing time last season and will again this year,” said Neusch. “He is a solid defensive player with good hands.”
Sophomore first baseman-pitcher Clayton Galeski gained varsity experience last season.
“Clayton is a solid defensive player and has some pop in his bat,” said Neusch. “I expect him to contribute in all areas.”
Providing plenty of talent and experience will be junior Hunter Granville, a centerfielder-pitcher who will be starting for the third year.
“Hunter is an excellent athlete and a well-rounded player,” said Neusch. “Defensively, he has good speed and range, and offensively he hits the ball hard. He will bat second and provides a stolen base threat.”
A pair of juniors, Peter Mobley and Brett Keating are in the middle of the mix.
Peter will get a lot of playing time in the outfield and will be a spot pitcher,” said Neusch. “He has good range and a strong arm. Brett is a rightfielder-first baseman who can also be a designated hitter. He is very versatile and makes good contact offensively.”
Looking to create a niche will be junior outfielders John Fobert and Sean Thurston, and junior infielder-outfielder Miles Jarvis.
“Miles’ strong bat will get him at bats,” said Neusch.
Beside experience and versatility, what else does Neusch like about this year’s team?
“I think the kids put a lot of work in in the off-season,” he said. “They are motivated as a group. The chemistry on the team is good as these kids have played together for awhile. We lost a number of close games last season and our goal is to turn those into wins. With a year of added experience, I think that is a realistic goal.
“The overall turnout is good this season and we will have baseball teams at the varsity, junior varsity and middle school levels,” said Neusch. “We are trying to build a foundation and that is a good sign. These are great kids and I am looking forward to the season. I want to see how we respond.”
