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Tenafly Baseball Preview
Consistency in pitchers is key
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Staff photo by Joe Camporeale
Senior Ethan Aronowitz fields a grounder during an infield drill. The first baseman for the Tigers is expecting a 20-win season.
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By Jonathan Cheung
Staff Writer
Published: March 26, 2008
Consistency on all sides of the ball, especially pitching, will be the key for the upcoming Tiger season.
"Finding pitching and enough arms with be tough because not only are we going to be pitching by committee, but we want that staff to be consistent," said coach Kurt Hommen. "In addition to that we always work on the fundamentals and defense in the preseason."
After their all-county pitcher, who won 11 games last year graduated, there is a huge void trying to fill the ace role. There are three possible pitchers that could anchor the staff, last year’s five game winner, junior Zack Durr, senior Alex Marc Antonio and sophomore Shane Stanley Ayre.
"Trying to find those two to three arms that will also be consistent, will be the key to our season," said Hommen.
It’s as sound as you can get on the other baseball aspects, especially with a veteran leader who’s been through it all.
Hommen is not only looked at as a coach, but an icon, with 18 years at the helm and no one knows more about Tiger baseball. His vision of a greatly respected program is one that all the kids share and through their hard work many of the team’s goals are met.
"I’m always adapting to my players and ever since I’ve been doing this we’ve had great kids that come ready to play," said Hommen. "This year we have a nice blend between rookies and seniors. The veterans set the tone and everyone else follows their lead."
Many of the upperclassmen on the team feel that this year the Tigers are destined for greatness.
"Many teams are great in one aspect of the game, whether it be hitting, fielding or pitching, but we’re strong in all those departments," said senior Chris Brown. "We want to win everything."
Specifically, the Tigers know exactly what to do and have a strict game plan for the season and especially for performing in the playoffs.
"We’re a good fielding team," said senior Ethan Aronowitz. "It definitely helps that we keep errors down. We’re excited and a really good team."
On the offense, Tenafly has a balanced lineup from top to bottom. With many of its hitters returning, the Tigers expect more of the same.
"We always find a way to put the ball in play, get on base and drive the runners home," said senior Brian Sherman. "It’s also the intangibles off the field that will play a factor."
Togetherness is something the team will have on its side and can only serve as a positive. The Tigers will be spending a week in Florida playing three games against teams from New York, Kentucky and Maryland. In addition to playing different competition, it gives the team a chance to bond.
"We’re going to be spending almost every minute with each other and that can only help us," said Brown. "It’s definitely something that will bring the team closer together for the upcoming season."
Last season’s record: 19-6
Key players: 1B Ethan Aronowitz, SS Chris Brown, P Alex Marc Antonio, LF Brian Sherman, seniors; P Zack Durr, junior; P Shane Stanley Ayre, sophomore
Outlook: The Tigers, like last year, should be a force to be reckoned with in the league, but only if the new staff of pitchers can consistently keep them in games. With an experienced coach and perfect blend of position players, the season should be an exciting one.
E-mail: cheung@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6709
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