With three teams from last year not returning, including Manny’s TV & Appliance, Tri-County League men’s amateur baseball will have a different look this season. Teddy Bear Pools will return on the local scene, however, and after a fourth-place finish in the regular season in 2016, the Poolmen have their sights set high in the eight-team American Division that kicks off tonight against Longmeadow VW at G.T. Valiton Field in South Deerfield.
Manny’s joined two other departures from the competitive league, dropping the total from 11 to eight this season. Teddy Bears, which lost to St. Joseph’s in last year’s quarterfinal round, returns a solid nucleus of players that has coach Harlan Bean thinking big.
“I expect we’ll be competing at the top of the league,” offered Bean. “With what we’ve added, it should put us right with PeoplesBank and Easthampton (Savings Bank).”
PeoplesBank captured its fourth consecutive league title a year ago, edging Easthampton in the best-of-three game championship series, 2-1. Bean thinks Teddy Bear’s biggest issue from a season ago has been improved to the point of competing with the two top returning teams.
“We’re a much better hitting team than last year,” Bean explained. “Last year we could pitch and play defense with anybody in the league but we just struggled scoring runs. From what I’ve seen so far, we have a pretty strong lineup and we’ve added some pretty solid players.”
While offense will be something to follow throughout the season, there are no question marks regarding the Poolmen pitching staff. Staff ace Ben Ruddock returns, and he captured the Wes Carr Award a year ago as the league’s top pitcher.
“He’s our ace so we’re expecting big things from Ben yet again,” Bean said.
If Ruddock is the staff ace, however, Sam Downes is certainly a worthy No. 2. Downes is also back after a stellar season in 2016, and Bean said the pair will once again be counted on as the team’s 1-2 combo.
“Last year they really were 1A and 1B because Sam’s numbers were almost as good as Ben’s,” Bean offered.
John Atkins will also be a key piece to the pitching puzzle for Teddy Bear, while several other players should see innings including Matt Ackerman, Noah Barnes and Joe Larson.
In the field, Teddy Bear returns all-league center fielder Brad Bean as one of their top all-around talents. Left fielder David White is also back and should provide a big bat, as will first baseman Chris Williams. Returning shortstop Seth Leslie just finished a strong season playing for Worcester State, where he batted .289 with 17 RBI. Leslie should figure into the middle of the lineup this summer.
Liam Datres de la Blotier is back behind the plate as the team’s catcher, and he should once again give the Poolmen a rock solid presence.
Bill Barrington (infield), Andrew Sadowski (IF/P), Mike Griswold (OF), Tim Capuano (OF), Nolan Muzyka (OF/P), Brandon Bryant (IF), Garrett Connolly (IF), Seth Gewanter (IF/P), Cory Shearer (IF), Jack McGowan (OF/P) Julian Diamond (OF/C) and Steven Reynolds (OF) are all on the roster as Teddy Bear has a large pool of players in which to put together a lineup.
“We’re returning a super pitching staff and our defense has improved,” Bean said.
Teddy Bear will host Wilbraham Funeral Home on Wednesday before taking to the road for the first time on Friday against St. Joe’s. The regular season finale is slated for July 19 against Longmeadow, with postseason to begin shortly thereafter.