Baseball

Baseball

Continued from page 11

than moving up to varsity after gaining several years’ experience.

Illnesses and college-hunting trips have also cut into the team’s practice time recently, but the players on the diamond Tuesday seemed eager to practice their fundamentals, and willing to follow Coach Van Horn’s suggestions.

Though the lineup has not yet been set, the coach said he expects to rely heavily on his two returning starters from last year’s squad, Philip Daczewitz and Bill Atkins. Both made All-District honors last year, with Daczewitz at first base and Atkins anchoring the outfield at center.

“Bill is an excellent center fielder,” Coach Van Horn said. “He gets a good initial jump on the ball, right off the bat.” He’s the fastest player on the team, and will lead off the batting order.

Daczewitz is multi-talented, bringing a strong arm to the mound in relief as well as handling first base duties for the Panthers. Although he will probably spend most of his time in the infield. Coach Van Horn said he will also look to Philip for relief pitching as the team’s “closer.”

So far, Daczewitz is the only confirmed pitcher in the lineup.

The team lost all of its starters, and the coach is trying out several youngsters who he feels have potential. Robbie Settle has some experience as a pitcher in Little League, and Tremayne Allsberry got some mound training on last year’s team, although he wasn’t a starter. Keith Jenkins will likely round out the rotation.

Senior Scott Tummeyer may also see some time on the mound this season, the coach added.

In the outfield, Atkins will keep his center field spot, flanked by Paul Butler and Keith Gore. Gore will also double as the team’s back-up catcher.

The other positions are not set at this time, according to Coach Van Horn.

The team is well-rounded in

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