It’s a tough act for New Canaan Rams head coach Mitch Hoffman to follow. Leading his team to the school’s first state baseball championship in 63 years was probably the top New Canaan sports story of 2013. Even so, Hoffman is not one to look back…especially considering the level of talent the Rams will put on display in 2014.
Senior captain Matt Toth in action last season.
New Canaan will return six starters to the lineup this season. And despite losing two of the best players in the state–Andrew Casali and Casey Ouellette–to graduation, Hoffman thinks this year’s squad has the potential to be even stronger.
“We are deep this year, but why we’re going to be so good is because nobody thinks they can replace Andrew Casali and Casey Ouellette,” Hoffman told NewCanaanite.com. “When you have a team that understands how important those two guys were, but also knows that they might be more balanced than they were last year, it shows that you have guys that don’t put themselves above the program.”
And it doesn’t hurt to have senior captain Dan Rajkowski back in the mix.
The flame-throwing hurler was shut down last season with arm trouble, but enters his senior campaign fully recovered and poised for a big season. The only difference is that in 2014 Rajkowski–at least initially–will be coming into the game out of the bullpen as the Rams’ closer. And although the new role will take some time to adjust to, Hoffman likes what he sees from preseason scrimmages.
“He threw today, and it was like a man among boys,” Hoffman said. “You get us to the sixth inning with a 1 or 2-run lead lead, it’s going to be pretty tough to lose.”
With the plethora of quality arms on the mound, Rajkowski should get his fair share of save opportunities.
Senior captain J.R. Anderson will lead the Rams staff in 2014.
Senior captain J.R. Anderson will anchor a staff that will also include juniors David Giusti and Alex LaPolice. Senior Jeff Chen and captain Matt Toth will also see time in the Rams rotation.
At the other end of the New Canaan battery, junior Zach Smith will be the leading candidate to fill Ouellette’s considerable shoes behind the plate. Fellow junior Brandon Abate is also in the catching mix.
Senior captain Erik Jager will again see time at 3B in 2014.
Defense will once again be a key strength for the Rams. The infield will feature Rajkowski and senior captain Erik Jager at 1B, while Abate, juniors Jimmy Fahey and Kyle Levasseur as well as senior Andrew White will see time at 2B. Matt Toth will man SS with Jager and juniors Victor Lu and Sky Mercede handling 3B. The Rams outfield will see returning senior captain Nick Cascione and junior Alex Lapolice, with the third spot up for grabs between senior Max Wilson and junior Kane Curtin.
Senior captain Nick Cascione will be a key at the plate and in the field for New Canaan in 2014.
The Rams will miss the bats of Casali and Ouellette, as well as graduated slugger Brian Moran, but Hoffman feels New Canaan’s offense will be another strength. Expect to see aggressive at bats and base-running from the Rams in 2014. More than anything, Hoffman says to expect the same attitude that helped the Rams to the Class L title last season.
“The goal every year is to leave it all on the field,” Hoffman said. “If they leave it on the field, I’m very happy. The wins will come.”
2014 New Canaan Rams baseball at a glance:
Head Coach: Mitch Hoffman (5th year)
2013: Class L State Champions
Returnees to watch – Dan Rajkowski (P), J.R. Anderson (P), Nick Cascione (OF), Matt Toth (SS/P), Alex LaPolice (OF/P)
Key newcomers – Zach Smith (C/P), Kane Curtin (OF), Max Wilson (OF)
Sleepers – David Giusti (P), Brandon Abate (2B/C), Erik Jager (3B/1B)
Schedule (Home games, played at Mead Park, in bold)
Wed. 4/9, 4:15p vs. New Fairfield
Thu. 4/10, 4:00p vs. New Milford
Fri. 4/11, 4:00p @ Greenwich
Mon. 4/14, 4:00p vs. Wilton
Wed. 4/16, 4:00p vs. Harding
Thu. 4/17, 4:00p @ Westhill
Mon. 4/21, 4:00p vs. Fairfield Warde
Wed. 4/23, 4:00p @ Bassick (Seaside Park, Stratford)
Fri. 4/25, 4:00p @ Norwalk
Mon. 4/28, 4:00p vs. Ridgefield
Wed. 4/30, 4:00p @ McMahon
Fri. 5/2, 4:00p vs. Danbury
Mon. 5/5, 4:00p vs. Staples
Wed. 05/7, 4:00p vs. Bridgeport Central
Fri. 5/9, 4:00p @ Trinity Catholic
Tue. 5/13, 4:15p @ St. Joseph
Wed. 5/14, 4:00p @ Darien
Mon. 5/19, 4:00p vs. Stamford
Wed. 5/21, 4:00p vs. Trumbull
Fri. 5/23, 4:00p @ Fairifield Ludlowe