Juniors Step Into Pivotal Roles For Rams Baseball

March 30, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Pitching was a constant for the Cheshire High School baseball team last spring. While senior starters chewed up innings, the bullpen was rested and the Rams were competitive in every game. That experience helped fuel a resurgence within the program. Cheshire (fifth seed; 18-7 record) reached the Class LL quarterfinals for the first time in six years, falling short 3-2 to eventual champion West Haven (fourth seed). The Rams made their first Southern Connecticut Conference tournament appearance since 2004 and ended an eight-year skid (6-5) to Housatonic Division rival Amity.
“Obviously losing seven seniors is tough,” said Cheshire Head Coach Bill Mrowka. “They were leaders and statistically very good.”
“It shows that we can play with the top teams in the state,” stated junior Connor David, a captain with senior center fielder Dan Manke. “We didn't have good years before that. We don't want to take a step back.”
In order to remain at that level, the Rams will rely on their junior class. Max Slade (nine innings, seven hits, two walks, eight strikeouts, .78 earned run average) and Ryan Fowler (38 innings, 30 hits, nine walks, 36 strikeouts, 1.84 era), along with Matt Croteau, Ryan Rougeot, and Matt Jefferis, combine in a potentially deep group. Cheshire graduated Kevin Jefferis (Western New England College-Springfield, Mass.), Steve Howard, and Eric Ostroski.
“That class will up eat 95 percent of the innings. We have only one senior, Brian Cantore, and he throw last year,” explained Mrowka. “I like the depth of arms we have coming back.”
Mrowka felt that Slade was the missing link. Prior to last year, he didn't feel comfortable having Howard pitch since it would leave a void at shortstop. Not only did Slade (.317 batting average, 20 hits, 16 runs, 13 RBIs, five steals) perform in middle infield, but he also displayed composure in pressure moments such as the SCC quarterfinals. Cheshire (eighth seed) rallied to take a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the 11th inning against West Haven (top seed). Slade was called to relieve Kevin Jefferis, striking out the side to save the victory. The Rams compiled a 1-3 record in four meeting with the Blue Devils.
“We are excited to have him back,” stated Mrowka, of Slade. “We hope to find a way to use him by starting or closing games. When he is not pitching, he will play shortstop. We are looking for more run production from him, since we graduated people.”
Fowler also matured as a sophomore. His first three starts were shutouts, including two complete games. Fowler (Most Improved Player) fired a one-hitter against Derby (4-0) and compiled 5-2 record overall. He limited his walks and struck out 18 hitters during the shutout stretch, but Mrowka felt he benefited from not focusing on strikeouts alone.
“He didn't have an understanding of the game in freshman year,” recalled Mrowka. “He watched a lot of baseball and became very prepared last year. Ryan was determined to become a better pitcher and did it.”
The job of managing the staff belongs to another junior. The first catcher to start his first three years for Mrowka, David has been credited for maturity as well. Coaches gave him the opportunity to start calling the games last spring.
“I liked it a lot,” David explained. “It keeps me in the groove and I get to develop trust with the pitchers.”
David batted .329, along with adding 25 hits, 17 runs, and 12 RBIs.
“Connor did a great job. He is very bright and has a very good baseball IQ,” added Mrowka.
Reloading offensively and inside the infield will also be important. Howard was a three-year starter at shortstop, while Dave Tammaro (third base) and Brad Runowicz (first base) were fixtures for two years. Runowicz became one of the state's top power-hitters and leading run producer in the clean-up spot. Howard and Runowicz are starting at Trinity College, while Tammaro is playing for Plymouth State University (New Hampshire).
“It is tough to replace that experience and run production,” said Mrowka.
Junior Dom Severino stepped up at third base, when Tammaro was injured during the post-season. He added a pivotal at-bat in the 11th inning of the SCC quarterfinal. Senior John Kubilus, who filled in for Runowicz last year, joins Croteau and sophomore Joe Kelly at first base.
“Dom got a learning experience at the varsity level. He is a big, strong kid and can pitch,” added Mrowka. “John generates a lot of power in his swing.”
Slade, along with senior Mike Gargiulo, juniors Greg Leonetti and Tyler Robertson and Rougeot, figure into the middle infield.
“It matters who swings the bat,” stated Mrowka. “We have to figure out where people will be in the lineup.”
“We are younger,” added Manke. “But, guys are stepping up. I like having younger kids because teams don't know about them. We can surprise people.”
Manke, a three-year starter, is an asset leading off the game. He produced his strongest season last year, earning All-Housatonic for the first time. Manke is the top returning hitter in average (.358), home runs (two), singles (23), doubles (five), triples (four), runs (26), hits (34). He tied senior outfielder/designated hitter Dan Flynn with 14 RBIs and stole safety in all 15 attempts.
“We will probably have him at the top of the lineup again. I expect him to have a big year,” reflected Mrowka. “Hopefully, we can get him to being more aggressive on the bases. We have some speed and would like to create things this year.”
Mrowka is looking for Flynn to drive in Manke. Flynn (.254 average, 14 runs, 18 hits, three doubles, home run) became a starter last season and provides a powerful swing to the middle of the order.
“He looks stronger and quicker. Hopefully, he can replace our run production,” explained Mrowka.
Flynn and Manke lead an outfield impacted by turnover. Ryan Dupont and Ostroski captained last year's team with Howard. Ryan Connolly chose to run outdoor track and field as a senior.
Senior Brian O'Reilly contributed as a pinch runner last season. Matt Jefferis and junior David Wright are also competing for time.
“Brian is a strong outfielder and gives us a left-handed bat,” Mrowka said. “We'll give guys an opportunity and find out who steps up.”
Cheshire feels their tournament run will benefit them this year. After upsetting West Haven in the SCC tournament, they lost by the opposite score to Joseph Foran (fourth seed) at Yale Field.
“It helps them handle the pressure of being in a tournament. These guys have played in big games,” Mrowka stated.
Mrowka prefers to play a challenging schedule, preparing players for the post-season. Housatonic is traditionally one of the toughest divisions in the SCC. Amity (April 19, May 5) has won seven straight division championships, although Cheshire gained confidence by ending their drought against them last spring. Shelton (April 23, May 7) and Sheehan (April 26, May 12) reached the 2009 Class LL and M semifinals, respectively. Lyman Hall (April 23, May 10) also field a competitive program.
“We always want to compete for the division, SCC, and state tournament,” added Mrowka.
Cheshire opens the season against Daniel Hand on April 7, at 3:45 p.m.