Hopkinton News : baseball

Hopkinton bumped from baseball playoffs after surprising regular season

Bow Editor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:11:00 GMT

Dave Chase is the first to admit it. His seventh-seeded Hopkinton baseball team was hosting a first-round playoff contest, but the game was in jeopardy before the players even took the field.

In fact, said Chase, it was in trouble a week prior, when the Hawks blew a 10-0 second-inning lead at home against Newport and fell, 14-10.

That setback cost them the No. 5 seed and what Chase said was probably the easiest path to the Class M championship. Instead, they opened the postseason against one of the top pitchers in the state, Franklin’s Derek Sylvester.

“We ran into a better team, or at least on that day they were a better team,” said Chase following Hopkinton’s 9-4 season-ending loss on Thursday, June 5. “I mean, this kid, Sylvester, he throws mid- to high-80s. He’s going to Boston College to play (Division I baseball), and he was getting his fastball over the plate, plus both of his different curveballs, which kept us off balance.”

So when Hopkinton gave up a first-inning one-out walk, followed by a two-run home run and back-to-back doubles, Chase knew his team was in for an uphill battle.

“I give (Franklin) credit. They capitalized on good fortune and adrenaline and the next thing you know we were down four runs in the first inning, and against a pitcher like that … By the time we finally got a run it was pretty much over.”

Evan Levy hit a solo shot to make it 7-1, but the locals never drew close.

Still, Chase said he was proud of his squad’s effort.

“We ended up with eight hits and four runs … Against a quality pitcher like that, you’re doing pretty well, but still, we fell behind early and put ourselves in a position where we can’t bunt. We can’t move runners. We can’t be aggressive because we don’t want to give up those outs.”

Though the season is over, Chase said the team exceeded the expectations of many around the state.

“As I said to the guys, 13-5 is pretty impressive,” he said. “I think, in a lot of ways, we overachieved. After losing those four (starting) seniors (from 2007), I think we had a pretty rewarding season.”

Chase loses six more players, including first-team all-staters David Brandt and Matt Story, and Matt Demers, a second team all-stater. Dan Forrester, Sean Pirttiaho and Nick Babson also graduate.

“If you take a look at those six, and then the four from last year, basically we have a whole new team coming back from two years ago,” said Chase.

Yet he’s still excited for next year.

“I look forward to a lot of new faces and new energy coming in,” he said. “We may not compete for a title next year, but we’re in a pretty good spot in that we have a lot of good baseball players that are phenomenal athletes coming in. I’m excited about the youth and their potential to play. I definitely see us back in the thick of things in a few years.”

The JV team currently fields seven eighth-graders who now have a year of high school baseball experience.

And Chase has just the guys to lead the youth movement. Joe Merrow and Nick Windhurst have already been named captains for 2009.

Also likely to return are Levy, Steve Bower, Kyle Hatch, Dennis Frasier, Jarrod Rouleau, Jay LeBlanc and Jimmy Angell.

Baseball fields held at first base

Bow Editor — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:57:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Time to play ball in Hopkinton? Not so fast.

Plans to build a practice baseball field on Park Avenue have been put on hold until after a public hearing on Oct. 29.

But at the Monday, Oct. 15, selectmen’s meeting, some ethical questions were addressed, including the legality of using approved money for another project.

The town purchased the land several years ago with other groups in town, and with no action taken place the groups asked the town to either build the field or return the $40,000 they invested in the project.

Don Houston, assistant supervisor of Public Works Department, spoke at the Oct. 15 meeting asking board members to give the go ahead and create the skimmed, or dirt, field.

Houston said to save taxpayers from having to pay for the new field, the town could shift money that has been budgeted for a drainage system at Coaches Field, since weather has delayed the project over the past several years.

While all the work and materials for the field would be donated, Dan Coen, a member of the budget committee, pointed out the town did not have a public hearing to accept the gifts, which came to more than $5,000. According to state laws, the board must do so.

Coen also said it would be inappropriate for the board to allow the shifting of previously budgeted money from one project to another, and the board should speak to its legal team.

During the meeting, Dan Meserve, Hopkinton High School athletic director, said he hopes the project will move on.

“I understand there are laws, and I certainly hope none have been broken,” he said. “We have a great opportunity here for kids to be able to play, and we should take advantage of it.”

While it would take about $2,000 to $3,000 to build the field this year, it may be more expensive next year should the decision be made to wait, said Selectman Don Lane.

Board members pointed out that if the town waits until after voters weigh in on the issue at Town Meeting, there could be several factors that could cause those who have agreed to donate time and equipment to be unable to do so.

“It would be a shame to lose out on this over a couple thousand dollars,” said Selectman Scott Flood. “It’s a great opportunity that we have here.”

The board suggested that the Hopkinton Youth Sports Association (HYSA) could donate the remaining cost of the fields so the controversy with shifting money could be avoided.

Darren Winslow, president of HYSA, said although his board would consider the proposal, they have already invested a large amount of money in the project.

“We don’t want to have anyone break the law,” he said. “We’re getting much less than we originally agreed upon, and we accept that. But didn’t the town already accept the gift and the financial responsibilities that come with it?”

Winslow also said the group could hire lawyers to get their portion of the land purchase back, but is not HYSA’s first choice.

Selectmen Chairman George Langwasser said he knows the law requires the board to have a public hearing before anything could be decided on the land, but after double-checking the municipal code,
he addressed the large crowd in attendance at Hopkinton Town Hall.

“I want to apologize. Because of a lousy few thousand dollars, this town has taken a step back,” said Langwasser as he ended the discussion. “We’re heading down a dangerous road. I am bitterly disappointed that we can’t yet follow through on an agreement that we’ve already made. I just feel badly about it and want to apologize.”

Field talks set

Bow Editor — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:37:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

A dispute over whether to build a baseball field or return a $40,000 investment will come before the Board of Selectmen.

A portion of land Hopkinton purchased several years ago sparked a debate during the board’s recent meeting, when Selectman Don Lane brought up an agenda item for the Monday, Oct. 15, meeting. The discussion will focus on the potential building of a baseball field on Park Avenue near the high school and fairgrounds.

The town had purchased the land in conjunction with the Hopkinton Youth Sports Association and Conservation Committee about three years ago.

However, after years without any progress on the field, the groups involved have now asked the town to either go ahead and build the field or refund their half of the $80,000 investment.

Dan Coen, a member of the Budget Committee who attended the Oct. 8 selectmen’s meeting, questioned whether the private groups have given the town money because he said he has not seen any records to indicate they paid.

Lane assured Coen the groups have, and agreed to bring the record for proof to the Oct. 15 meeting.

“He’s wrong and we need to get the list and show that they have contributed,” said Lane.

Another concern of those in attendence was whether tax dollars would be used to fund the new practice baseball field. Lane said he has spoken with people who have agreed to build the field if the town decides to do so on a volunteer or at low cost.

When it comes to the decision to build the field or sell the land, Lane does not see the benefit of the latter.

“Particularly because we’re dealing with some people who are so irrational when it comes to fields that they’d rather give the money back,” said Lane. “They’d rather sell it and take the hit because of decline in property values. Why would you do that? You’re going to have to buy land sooner or later, so why would you want to sell?”

This is not the first field project Lane has been involved with, as he was also an intricate part of the building of Houston Fields.

The item was placed on the Monday, Oct. 15, agenda and board members will look to make a decision on the future of the land.

A victory of sorts – Hopkinton remains unbeaten with good play, good fortune

Bow Editor — Wed, 23 May 2007 20:29:00 GMT

BY MATT STOUT

Sitting atop the Class M standings with a 13-0 record entering Wednesday, May 23, the Hopkinton baseball team realizes no victories will simply be handed to it this season.

Well, almost none.

The Hawks’ 1-1, 10-inning forfeit victory over 5-7 Winnisquam on Monday, May 21, wasn’t the end either coach imagined for the epic showdown, nor is it the way Hopkinton wants to remain undefeated.

But despite the abrupt ending – after Winnisquam pitcher Corey Gilmore pitched into the 10th inning, Hopkinton coach Dave Chase alerted umpires of a rule violation, as no pitcher can throw more than nine – there was a lot of good to be taken out of the two-and-a-half hour struggle.

“These are all the things we worked on (in practice on Sunday),” said Hopkinton coach Dave Chase.

“All the stuff here – bunt coverages, pitch-outs. Because it’s going to come down to small-ball, and whoever has the better pitching staff is going to win the game. This year especially, you’re going to see a lot of close games. I don’t think you’re going to see people pounding the ball, 10-0.”

Monday’s contest gave Hopkinton a chance to utilize situational plays they’ll most likely see come state tournament time.

With both teams scrapping for every scoring opportunity, Hopkinton finally figured out Gilmore, the Bears’ top pitcher, in the sixth inning when Tom Johnson laid down a bunt single to score Jon Reen.

After Winnisquam tied it in the seventh to force extra frames – spoiling the complete-game shutout for Reen, who struck out six – Hopkinton worked out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the eighth thanks to some fine strategy.

Reliever Jake McManus induced a grounder to the right side that David Brandt fielded and threw home for the force-out, setting up a one-out bunt-squeeze attempt by the Bears.

But Chase read it from the start, calling for a pitch-out with two strikes that McManus and catcher Nick Babson executed perfectly. The ball outside, the Winnisquam batter flailed at a missed bunt and Babson ran up the third base line to easily tag the advancing runner, ending the inning.

With the game ending in such anticlimactic fashion, it’s probably the lone bit of momentum Hopkinton can pull from Monday, but they’ll have several chances to keep rolling with three games in three days, starting with Wednesday’s contest at Newport.

But more importantly, the “win” over Winnisquam, a team that took down previously undefeated Prospect Mountain earlier this spring, was a testament to the defining points of a contender: poise, pitching and, perhaps, a little luck.

Chase actually called for the pitch-out on the prior delivery, but his team missed the sign.

“Besides, they’re not 13-0 now for nothing,” said Winnisquam coach Fred Caruso, who was searching for the innings-limit rule throughout the final two innings but couldn’t find it in time, and told his team the loss was “100 percent on me.”

“They’re the best team in Class M,” he continued. “As far as I’m concerned, they’re deeper (than a team like Prospect Mountain).”

Notes

Though Chase was sure the rule stated no pitcher can throw one pitch into the 10th, he waited until Gilmore – who struck out nine and threw approximately 115 pitches, Caruso said – recorded the first out in the frame before going to the umpires.

Johnson finished 3-for-4 with Hopkinton’s lone RBI, while McManus threw two scoreless innings in relief of Reen.

Those two hurlers, combined with Matt Story and David Brandt, who’s nursing what Chase described as a knot in his throwing arm, make up a staff that has shut out four opponents and allowed more than four runs just once this season.

Raffle raises money for leadership program

Bow Editor — Wed, 16 May 2007 20:20:00 GMT

Looking for a chance to see the Red Sox this summer?

The Boys and Girls Club is selling $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win two seats at the July 2 game against the Texas Rangers. The seats are along the first base line, section 10, box 97, row SS, seats 11 and 12.

The drawing will take place at the Hopkinton Memorial Day cookout at the American Legion on May 28. You do not need to be present to win.

All proceeds from the raffle will go to the first annual Boys and Girls Club Cape Eleuthera Institute Leadership Program. The Cape Eleuthera Institute is a facility that promotes a connection between people and the environment.

The program will provide a learning opportunity for the staff and 10 club teens who have been nominated based on their contribution to the club and community, proven ability to follow through on commitment and potential for growth. This curriculum will encourage individual growth of each participant while enhancing their contribution to their own community. They will be learning about tropical environments and sustainable design, including biodiesel, wind and solar energy.

Specific outcomes of the program will be designing a community project focusing on sustainability to implement at home; creating a program for the younger members at the club focusing on self-esteem development; design an educational presentation on the trip to present to the community; and develop skill in teamwork, leadership and self-reliance.

“It’s been amazing to see this group come together as a team,” said Hopkinton club director Carol Morse.

Morse, along with two other highly qualified trip leaders, will be joining the teens this summer on this adventure.

“The teens will be learning teamwork and communication skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. This program will help bring them and the club to the next level. I am honored to be part of this experience with them.”

This is just one fundraising event the group has organized to help fund the program. They also coordinated a number of activities in April, including a middle school dance in Concord, live music show at Columbia Hall in Hopkinton, a bake sale, a car wash and a 10,000 title book sale.

Tickets are available now, right up until the drawing at the American Legion. If you are interested, contact Carol Morse at 746-3474.

It all began… – Hawks down Campbell, then play where game was invented

Bow Editor — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:57:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

A successful road trip is indeed exciting. But there are limits – 210 miles? Each way? For one game? In Hopkinton’s case, you bet.

After hosting and beating last year’s Class M state champs, Campbell, on Saturday, April 21, the Hawks boarded a bus on Sunday for Cooperstown, N.Y., took in the sites at the Baseball Hall of Fame, then rode the arm and bat of David Brandt to a win over Class S Sunapee on Monday morning, April 23.

Then they rode home.

“A great trip,” said head coach Dave Chase. “Both teams walked around the Hall of Fame for a couple hours, then we let ’em loose for some shopping – all things baseball. We caught the Red Sox’s win last night, then played at Doubleday Field – a beautiful park on a beautiful day.”

It was especially memorable for Brandt and his Hawk teammates, who won the mercy rule-shortened contest, 13-0.

Brandt threw a no-hitter, fanning 13. He played a part in every out, fielding two ground balls as well.

With his parents watching from the stands, Brandt added a single, double and two triples in four at-bats.

And he wasn’t alone in shining at the dish. Sophomore outfielder Tom Johnson went 3-for-3 with two RBI.

Though the game didn’t count in the Class M standings, Saturday’s contest, a 6-4 Hopkinton win, certainly did.

Junior catcher Nick Babson drove in the winning run during a three-run sixth inning. He finished the day 2-for-3.

John Reen threw a complete game for the locals. After giving up the go-ahead run in the top of the fifth, Reen settled down and gave Chase a 98-pitch, complete-game effort.

“That’s the thing that impressed me about Reen. He could have caved in after giving up that run,” said Chase. “But he was gutsy and determined. He walked the leadoff hitter in the top of the seventh, but got the next three guys to end the game.”

In fact, he retired Campbell’s 3, 4 and 5 hitters to do it, one on a pop out, the second on a strikeout and the third on a long fly ball.

That was the closest Chase has come to sweating out a final score so far in 2007.

And, with Reen and Brandt clearly capable of supporting pitching ace Jake McManus, 2-for-3 with an RBI against Campbell, and Matt Story, unbeaten in three decisions in ’06, the sky may very well be the only limit for these Hawks.

Well-armed – Pitching could propel Hawks to the next level

Bow Editor — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:21:00 GMT

BY SAPNA PATHKA

He hasn’t held the first official practice, but Dave Chase has plenty of reasons to believe his team can bring home a Class M title in 2007. The Hopkinton baseball head coach has yet to set his final lineup but already knows the squad’s core will be strong enough to compete against any foe.

Chase welcomes six pitchers, five returners and one newcomer, to the rotation. After falling to eventual Class M champion Campbell in a 4-3, extra-innings loss in last year’s semifinals, the Hawks look for a different outcome in this year’s tournament.

“Six pitchers, that’s something a lot of teams are lacking is pitching, but we’re set with a strong rotation,” said Chase. “We’ve consistently been a playoff team, but I think this year we could really do some damage with the guys we’ve got.”

Hopkinton has made an appearance in the postseason in each of Chase’s 10 years as manager, winning its last state championship in 2000. The Hawks begin their season on Monday, April 9, at Conant.

Hopkinton ace Jake McManus leads the hurlers, bringing a 5-2 record from 2006. McManus, an all-state first-team pitcher, threw 56 innings last season and contributed offensively with a .525 batting average, 18 runs batted in, two home runs and 30 runs scored.

“We’ll have some younger guys get some swings in there, too,” said Chase. “I feel pretty confident about how we look on both sides of the ball. We’re always working on offense. You can never have too much of that.”

Junior Matt Story, who finished 3-0 last year on the mound, also batted .377 with 14 RBI as a sophomore third baseman. David Brandt, who batted .442 last year, Hal Grogan, Tom Johnson and Concord High transfer
Dan Breen round out Chase’s mound crew.

Junior Matt Demers should add some speed on the base paths and split time between first base and outfield.

Utility man Nick Babson, who batted .500 in 10 at-bats last season, handles catching chores.

Freshman Evan Levy might see some time as the designated hitter, said Chase, while Dan Forrester and Sean Pirittiaho roam the outfield. After losing two outfielders and one catcher, Chase said this year’s team still brings enough depth and experience for an 11th straight playoff run.

The squad’s most memorable game may not come in the playoffs but on April 23, when the Hawks travel to Cooperstown, N.Y., to face Sunapee on the famed Doubleday Field. The Hawks will take the field after taking in the sights at Baseball’s Hall of Fame.

“I’m good friends with the Sunapee coach, and we could finally put something like this together,” said Chase. “It should be a great trip down there, and it’s open to parents who want to come, too. It’ll really be a great, unforgettable experience to say we played a regular-season game at Cooperstown.”

Fans can keep up with the team’s progress at eteamz.com/hawkbaseball.