By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Despite an 8-10 regular season in 2018, the Medfield High baseball team was still able to sneak their way into the Division III South Sectionals under first-year head coach David Worthley. Ultimately, the Warriors fell 6-4 to No. 14 Middleboro in the preliminary round, but expectations heading into 2019 for Medfield baseball are relatively high.
Leading the Warriors this season are three senior co-captains in pitcher/third-baseman Ryan Donahue, third/first baseman Jack McDonald, and pitcher Drew Baacke.
“The team is very excited to begin the season,” said Donahue when asked about his team’s general vibe heading into the year. “With our strong core of returning players, we are looking to build on the success we began last year with making the state tournament.”
While the team does return several key pieces, such as Donoahue, McDonald, and Baacke, Medfield will need to find ways to fill the voids left behind from departed seniors such as Ryan “Py” Johnson.
“We have a lot of guys who have put in a ton of work in the offseason and are ready to fill in the gaps and help us reach the next level,” said Donahue.
McDonald agrees with Donahue’s assessment that the Warriors have put in some incredible work throughout the offseason and are ready to take that next step in 2019.
“We are excited to begin and compete at a high level,” said McDonald. “We expect a lot from our team as we have been working hard this off-season and hope to have a lot of success on the field in the upcoming season. We have a solid group of returning players and new additions that should contribute to a strong season.”
Baacke, who will be looked at as one of Medfield’s top pitching arms entering the season, says he and his teammates are ready to embrace the new additions from their underclass.
“We will have a young team,” said Baacke. “But, there are some players coming up that I know will have a huge impact and help our team out immediately.”
Medfield will open up its season on April 5 against Nipmuc Regional.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0.
