Wolfpack Baseball poised for exciting 2019 campaign

As the West Morris Central High School baseball team prepares for the 2019 season, expectations are high for this club. With a breakout season in 2018 and going 18-8, the Wolfpack squad won their first conference championship in the challenging NJAC-National division since 1993. As the number 1 seed in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3, the team made a deep run before being upset in the semi-finals. These experiences should fuel and propel the club to even greater heights in 2019.

Head Coach Tom Reindel enters his 4th season at the helm of the WMC baseball team and relays “Leadership and team unity will be strengths of this team.” Tough conference opponents await and the team has also scheduled a rigorous out of conference schedule to prepare the club for counties and states. Last season’s successes are sure to have opponents throwing their best against this accomplished team.

An experienced and talented senior class leads the team this year. Coach Reindel proudly states “This senior group has led the way in changing the culture throughout the program. Their dedication throughout the off-season has set them up for success and has been an example to underclassmen.” The WMC baseball squad has worked tirelessly on training and conditioning this winter and the results are sure to show on the field this spring.

During spring break, the WMC team will again travel to Myrtle Beach, SC for spring training practices and scrimmages. The experience was fantastic last year and is sure to have the team hitting on all cylinders and in mid-season form when they return to NJ to start the season April 1st against Mount Olive.

Returning 2 year starter Connor Staine (senior) will lead the deep pitching staff. Staine is a University of Maryland commit who brings a low 90’s fastball and a dazzling array of pitches to the mound along with a power bat to the middle of the lineup. His excellent season last year was rewarded with being honored on the All-Group 3 (2nd team) squad. 4 year starter Aidan Healy will lock down the SS position when he is not pitching and was named to the All-Conference (1st team) list. Healy, a Furman University commit, provides the team with leadership, a potent bat and incredible athleticism across the ballfield. Kevin Kennedy (senior) returns to safeguard RF with his cannon of an arm and powerful bat. Kennedy led the team in HR last year and was rewarded with an All-Conference (1st Team) nomination.

Talented and experienced juniors will support the team this year. Matt Gluck (junior), a 2 year starter, brings an athletic versatility to the infield and is expected to skillfully man 2B, SS & 3B this campaign. Gluck was named All-Conference (1st team) the last 2 years and led the team with 32 hits last year. Returning starter Nick Masi (junior) will patrol CF again and brings his incredibly broad range to the outfield. Masi, an All-Conference (2nd team) member will strengthen the lineup with his explosive lefty bat.

Returning starter Matt Blount (senior) will expertly guard the dish and manage the talented pitching staff. Blount was an All-Conference (honorable mention) awardee. Also returning is Nick Calabrese (senior), an Angelo State University commit, will again guard LF this year. Calabrese leverages his blazing speed in all facets of the game to disrupt opponents. Experienced 2 year veteran Jackson Yeatts (senior) returns to dominate on the mound. After missing the last month of the season last year, Yeatts will be counted on to go deep in games and will find time at the corners. Anthony Grauso (senior) returns to safeguard 1B & 3B with his sure-handed glove. Grauso will provide depth to the lineup with his powerful bat. Experienced lefty pitcher Braden Willsey (senior) will again be a talented relief hurler. Willsey’s pinpoint control and ability to make the ball dance will keep opponents off-balance.

Returning players include James Turkus (junior). Turkus will again protect 2B and will enhance the team with his speed, quick bat and sure hands. Tyler Weeks (junior) returns to the mound as an experienced pitcher. Weeks will be needed to also go deep in games and protect leads. Chris Geida (senior) brings a strong arm to the hill and will complement the deep WMC pitching staff.

Coach Reindel sums up the upcoming season perfectly, “The players have created a culture of success and leadership. We have a proven top level who have dedicated their off-season to making this season a success. I cannot wait to see what the 2019 season has in store.”