In 2005, when Pete Kiro established Goffstown’s first American Legion baseball team in 20 years, he promised his squad would reach the playoffs by its fourth season.

Perhaps Kiro has a crystal ball. More likely, after serving as an assistant coach at perennial power Jutras Post No. 43 of Manchester, he just knows what it takes to build a winning program. Either way, his prediction was accurate.

This year, Wesley-Wyman Post 16 improved on an eight-win 2007, completing a 13-win regular season in 2008 and reaching the New Hampshire American Legion tournament for the first time in the current program’s young existence.

The team spanked Exeter, 11-4, in the second round and finished 1-2 in its inaugural postseason trip.

Four-year veterans Kory Kiro and Stephen Case, along with three-year standout Travis Rand – each had played crucial roles in earning Goffstown High School its first Class L title this year – led the Legion squad with fellow captain Kyle McCarron of Hillsboro.

While Rand returns next season, the elder Kiro said the team can’t replace the leadership of the other three, as well as the consistent arm of closer Brandon Boucher.

“I’ve had a hard time losing guys before, but what those guys did for the team this year can’t easily be replaced,” said the manager.

“Hopefully, the younger guys who stepped up this year will continue what the veterans worked so hard to build. I’ve been keeping an eye on the local (junior) baseball landscape, and this team is going to be a force for years to come.”

In fact, many of the athletes on this year’s team came from successful Babe Ruth teams under Legion assistants Al Palmer Sr. and Al Palmer Jr., and played junior varsity last season at GHS. The experience gained this summer not only serves them well on the American Legion diamond, but the high school field as well, said Kiro.

“The Class L championship team lost nine kids this year, and the Legion team is essentially a varsity program in the summer. They’re seeing the best pitching and hitting from around the state,” said Kiro. “They may have struggled a little early, but they got better as the season went along, and they’re not going to be surprised by what they see on the varsity level. This experience is going to help them tenfold down the road, that’s for sure.”

Team notes
Kory Kiro, who finished the season 4-0 from the mound, also became Goffstown’s first player to eclipse the century mark in career hits, reaching base 118 times with his bat. He led the team with a .404 batting average, broke his own single-season record with 36 hits and put an exclamation point on his career by going 3-for-3 with a towering home run and four runs scored in Goffstown’s second- round victory over Exeter.

Case completed his Legion career with 94 hits. This season, he sported a 2-0 mark and tallied two saves in his first year pitching for the team. His true value, said Kiro, came in the intangibles and leadership he provided from behind the plate.

Leading off, Rand batted .388 and contributed 33 hits. He played the last eight games – without missing a start – with a torn ligament in his hand. Mike McCarron, who played two seasons under Kiro, moves on to college baseball where his large frame and power will serve him well, said the mentor. “I wish I could have had him a little longer. He was an absolute joy to coach.”

Mike Bisceglia offered 28 hits and a .350 average. He notched three long balls this season, and has two more seasons to further develop his swing.

“He’s a big RBI guy for us and a solid first baseman,” said Kiro. “I look for big things from him in the future. He’s the type of kid that’s going to put up huge power numbers, the likes of which we may never see again from a (Legion) player. It’s going to be something special to watch.”

Boucher finished the season with eight saves in his third and final year on the team, and now leaves a big hole to fill. That’s because Stephen Beal, who Kiro expected to be his closer, ended up serving as Goffstown’s No. 2 starter this season. Next year, he’ll take over as the team’s ace. He also hit .345 and played catcher when Case pitched. Colby Couture, who exhibited control and a solid changeup, is likely to start behind Beal next season.

Riley Palmer set a rookie record 34 hits, destroying Kiro’s mark of 25. He batted .361, and his coach said he has the size, arm and athleticism to develop into a “big time college shortstop.”

Another rookie, Brad York, contributed 20 hits and played center field. He showed marked improvement and Kiro said he hopes to move York from ninth in the order to second next season.

Andrew Gordon, who played designated hitter and took over right field when Kiro pitched, has an attitude second to none, said his coach.

Steven French, who platooned at second base with hard-nosed Patrick Naughton, broke his finger against Keene and missed the state tourney, but turned in a fine season at prior to the injury.

Myles Kelly, who showed some power this year, is expected to be one of the team leaders in 2009, said Kiro.

Joshua Andruchuck, Michael Viviers and Brad York also contributed to Goffstown’s improvement in 2008.