Class B League ready for ‘Play ball’

By Greg Gulas

sports@vindy.com

STRUTHERS

The Class B League’s 18U and 16U seasons get under way today with four games on tap in the senior circuit and eight in its junior division.

“We always look forward to the start of our 18U and 16U seasons,” said Scott Ruark, league president. “Play in all three divisions, which also includes 14U, affords the players an opportunity to display their talents and have fun throughout the summer months.

“New teammates are welcomed, friendships forged and memories made that will no doubt will last a lifetime.”

Nine teams comprise the league’s top two divisions with eight teams already in action in its 14U circuit.

Baird Brothers accomplished a rare “three-peat” last year, winning the regular season title and then disposing of Knightline Embroidery in four games for a third consecutive league crown.

The team will not return this summer but manager Don Pletcher, who has led teams to four league championships and two NABF World Series crowns, returns as manager of Astro Falcons.

“I’ve never had more than three or four local players on the teams that I’ve coached,” Pletcher said. “This summer, we have 12 players from Ohio so the challenge for me is to find playing time for everyone.”

Players to look out for include center-fielder Connor Rakow, shortstop Josh Hoffman, left-handed pitcher Nathan Ball and pitcher-infielder Andrew Russell.

Tom Otto is the manager of Knightline Embroidery, returning for his 21st year as league manager and 16th as a part of Jerry Hunter’s franchise group.

“This group has been runners-up in their division the past three years,” Otto said. “They’re poised and ready for a breakout season.”

Catcher John Ritter, infielder Colton Stoneman (first-team all-Class B last season) and Poland first baseman Zach Yaskulka are players to keep an eye on.

Another managerial mainstay is Mike Cefalde, who has guided Roth Brothers to two consecutive playoff appearances.

“We have a very competitive team and our strength stems from the fact that four starting pitchers and eight position players return from last year’s team,” Cefalde said. “We need to stay healthy and minimize our mistakes.

“We cannot let the game affect us. We have to affect the game.”

Roth Brothers’ top players include pitchers Ricky Mineo and Marshall Wheeler, and infielders Christian Gabriel (third base) and Ethan Shaw (shortstop).

Terry Landis returns after a two-year hiatus to manage his old team, Creekside Fitness. With his coaching batteries recharged, Landis welcomes eight returnees from a season ago.

“I missed the game and happy to be back,” Landis said. “We’ve beefed up our pitching and offensively we’re a lot better. Defensively, we have a lot of speed in the outfield.”

Sebastian Lay and Cameron Currence are returning pitchers with catcher Nate Stutz and outfielder B.J. Arnold players on whom to focus.

Eagle Wear, Inc. is under the direction of second-year manager Spencer Olesh and top players include catcher-infielder Jake Freisen and catcher-outfielder Christian Myers. Pitchers Sam Ritchie and Hayden Savage return.

“I expect a lot out of our pitching. We have some big hitters and I cannot wait to get going,” Olesh said.

Avalanche manager Don Zeisler feels that his team will be in the mix with players like pitcher Garrett Brewer, center-fielder Bobby Cavalier and catcher Noah Ross.

“It’s the same old story. We need our pitching to come through,” Zeisler said. “By midseason, we’ll know exactly where we stand.”

Terry Dobson, who already has led Springfield to the Division IV district title, enters his 17th season and fifth with Dura Edge.

“We have more pitching than ever before, trouble is they’re currently in the Ohio and Pennsylvania high school playoffs,” Dobson said. “Our league remains the elite area summer baseball league and we keep attracting the cream of the crop.”

Dura Edge players to watch include Poland High School shortstop and YSU recruit Braeden O’Shaughnessy, pitcher Will Shaffer and infielder Tyler Robinson.

T.C. Guarnieri guides Prospects and will count on his son Nick, a catcher, pitcher-infielders Cam Kreps and Frankie Manios, and pitcher-outfielder Carter Chinn.

“This is an experienced, baseball hungry group,” Guarnieri said. “Most are moving on to the next level of play.”

Whiting Roll-offs is managed by Rob Walker as he counts on production from outfielder Sean Davis, pitcher-first baseman Matt Dubois and center-fielder Seth Pinkerton.

“I feel like I did a great recruiting job, but we need to get them to Cene Park so they can to play together as a team,” Walker said. “That might not happen for another 10-14 days though with high school playoffs still going on.”