Things are looking good for the Frontier Regional baseball team. Firstly, the Redhawks got outside for practice on a relatively mild, sunny day on Tuesday. Secondly, Frontier has a deep, talented roster with plenty of experience as the season approaches.
“We’ve been stuck inside which is kind of a drag,” Frontier coach Chris Williams said. “But the kids have been working hard. Our goal is to get over 100 swings a day.”
Frontier has a quick start to the season with opening day coming on Friday against Easthampton in South Deerfield. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. The Redhawks lost some important players but there is a solid core of players who are ready to step into new roles and excel. Some of the younger players already had established roles last season.
“We have a ton of guys back,” Williams said. “Some big shoes to fill in a couple positions. But it’s pretty much the entire varsity roster is back. Some of the young guys who were fighting for time last year they are ready to step up.”
Joey Hutkoski and Carter Miller figure to be the top starters for the Redhawks. Jack Cusson and Braiden Dion will also see plenty of time on the mound this season. The goal for the pitching staff is to let a very efficient defense go to work.
“They are the kind of guys who hit spots,” Williams said of Miller and Hutkoski. “Trust their defense. Not letting guys square up the ball well. Good off-speed to keep the hitters off balance. At the same time these guys aren’t throwing 85 up there. They have to be smart. We have a very athletic defense.”
Hutkoski is a junior for the Redhawks. He worked on his curve ball in the offseason.
“I have to pitch with intensity,” Hutkoski said. “Just aim for the strike zone. Definitely need to get my curve balls down. Last year I hung them and some people hit them really far. I think are looking really good. A lot better than last year. A lot of young talent this year. A few seniors who are going to be good leaders. Overall, we are a really good team.”
Last year’s team went 13-9 and went to the Division 4 Round of 16. The Redhawks fell to Pittsfield in the state tournament. Frontier features a dynamic line up full of solid hitters. It all starts with Cusson, who was the leadoff hitter last season as a freshman. As he enters his sophomore season the production should get even better.
“Cusson has established himself as one of our top dogs,” Williams said.
Another sophomore, Henry Drinker is a middle of the line up bat for the Redhawks. He saw extensive action as a freshman and figures to play catcher this season. Braiden Dion is another hitter who can get hot at the plate and plays third base.
Frontier has a nice core group of seniors on the team. Shawn Baumann, Austin D’Urso, Carter Miller and Brady Poreda.
“All returning starters,” Williams said of his seniors. “We are hoping those guys are going to level out the bottom half of the order make us strong one through nine. “
Poreda is the centerfielder for the Redhawks. Baumann plays multiple positions. In addition to his duties on the mound, Miller plays second base. D’Urso is an infielder for Frontier.
The Redhawks begin play in the Suburban East on April 2 at 4 p.m. against defending Division 5 state champion Pioneer Valley Regional on the road.