Pools are open, school’s almost out, and the summer baseball season is picking up for the WW-P American Legion team.
While it has opened the season with a 1-2 record, there is optimism in the team’s potential this season. Hamilton and Bordentown are two teams that usually dominate the conference, but WW-P is looking to earn its first league championship.
The team did not have a problem handing Hamilton its first loss of the season, 7-1, on June 7, a major feat, considering Hamilton’s reputation. The win came after WW-P’s season-opening 8-7 loss to Allentown on June 6 and was followed by another close loss to Ewing, 9-8, on June 8.
Last year’s team, with a 16-7 record, finished second in the league. Returning players include Kyle Reed, pitcher; Ralph Aurora, shortstop; Chet Otis, outfield; Eric Wisotsky, pitcher; Evan Smith, pitcher; and Alex Campbell, pitcher. “Our pitching staff is deep and is probably one of our strengths,” says coach Don Hutchinson.
The team includes a blend of talent from high schools North and South. Newcomers are Ryan Phelan, catcher; Chris Hase, outfield; Mike Voltmer, outfield; and Neal DeVincenzo, pitcher. Zach Donohue, an outfielder who played two years ago but did not play last year, returns to the team. Jared Rubenstein, who is a second baseman, and Paul Balestrieri, a freshman pitcher and first baseman, both had a great year at South.
Ryan Billeck, pitcher, Ben Ruta, infield, and Greg Weisbecker, third baseman, also join the team. Dan Block, who graduated from South last year, returns to the team.
Last season the team lost in the final game of the districts. This year, says Hutchinson, “I think we have a chance to compete for a league championship.” Hutchinson says the players blend well together. They are willing to give up nearly every day over the summer to play, he notes. “These are kids with a passion for the game.”
WW-P plays at home at South on Saturday, June 12, against North Trenton.
