Franklin Regional lost its final six games of last baseball season, including an 11-1 setback atgainst Bethel Park in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, but that negative juju is not getting in the way of a new season.
Spring, after all, signifies renewal.
The Panthers are pulling fresh air into their collective lungs.
“We had an amazing group of seniors who battled last season,” said Panthers 16th-year coach Bobby Saddler. “This year is a new team, and we need to reflect on last year’s positives and negatives from a team and individual standpoint. It’s important for us to stack good practices early and build confidence going into the season.”
One good sign is the return of senior shortstop Luke Williams, who injured his ankle in the playoff loss and went through months of rehabilitation. The Vanderbilt commit hit .345 with a 1.106 OPS, 19 RBIs, 27 runs and 27 stolen bases.
“Having Luke back on the baseball field is obviously huge for us,” Saddler said. “He worked extremely hard this offseason to get back to full strength, and we are looking for him to have a big year. The way he works on and off the field sets a great example for our team.
“Having the best players on the team also being the hardest working sets a great standard.”
Franklin Regional, which finished 10-9, also brings back junior second baseman Anthony Mitchell (.323, 15 RBIs), junior first baseman Nico Fioravanti, senior catcher Trey Muhitch and sophomore third baseman Liam Bernadowski.
Senior James Templeton (26 IP, 21 Ks), Fioravanti (4.78 ERA) and Mitchell (3.70 ERA) will handle the bulk of the pitching.
Chemistry will come with reps and prepatation, said Saddler, who is 185-96 as coach.
“I expect the team to compete and work hard every day in practice,” Saddler said. “That mindset and execution needs to translate into the games. This team is an extremely hard-working group with great leadership.
“We need to take it one game at a time, and at the end of the season, we need to be playing our best baseball.”
Others competing for playing time as pitchers include senior Tyler Quinn, sophomore Lucas Brazel, freshman Aaron Muraco and junior Luke Montgomery.
Sophomores Tim Pirone, Austin Visnick and Brazel also can contribute as outfielders.
Sophomore Miles Tomley, junior Tommy Verruggio, Visnick, Brazel, Montgomery and Muraco can also play infield spots while Muraco and sophomore Dillan Porado can fill in at catcher.