KP Baseball Squad Hoping to Climb the Mountain

It wasn’t exactly they type of season that the King Philip baseball team was looking for last spring, and, with the new season upon us, the Warriors would like to accomplish much more this year.

“Last year was a disappointing season, as we didn’t meet our expectations,” KP coach Ed Moran said. “This year, we’re looking to improve upon that season.”

One small problem stands in the way of the Warriors success this season – lack of experience. KP returns only two athletes with any significant varsity experience:  captain Ryan Manning and senior Mike Capodianco.

One would expect that having only two returning players wouldn’t make for a rather successful year, but Moran begs to differ. The Warriors coach believes he has enough talented athletes to compete in the ever-so-tough Hockomock League.

The Warrior captain will bolster the infield with his play from the shortstop position, while Capodianco will take to the mound fighting to be the team’s ace.

“Ryan is a sure-handed athlete who will solidify our infield. At the play, he’s a solid contact hitter who’s currently pegged to hit from the number-two spot,” the coach said. “Mike has command of three pitches: fastball, curveball and changeup, and at the plate, he has good pop in his bat.”

The Warriors will go with a committee at first base with Dave Silletti, Connor Layman and Capodianco. Jeff Plympton will be at second while Rob Bolter will hunker down at the hot corner.

Behind the plate, Moran is still looking at two prospects: junior James Wallace and freshman Ryan Fess.  Although both are still vying for the starting position, Wallace currently owns the inside track because of an injury to Fess.

“Both catchers are very similar – defensive catchers with good strong arms,” Moran said. “Right now, Ryan has a sore arm, so the decision has been easy for the time being, but when both are healthy we’ll take a look at both of them again.”

The outfield will consist of juniors Charlie Harrington in left and Matt Glass in right, while senior Jake Cox will patrol center.  Cox will also be the team’s lead-off hitter, bringing speed to the bases, and Harrington and Glass both swing mean bats hoping to give KP a successful middle of the lineup.

Copodianco looks to be the team’s top hurler, but junior Brian Crafton is giving him a run for his money. Crafton is more of a power pitcher who is still learning his locations. According to the skipper, the junior has shown some very good stuff thus far, he only lacks that real varsity experience.  Silletti, a left-handed thrower, and Layman will round out the pitching staff.

Mansfield will be in Wrentham on Monday afternoon in what could become the Warriors' first game on home soil.