Last year’s baseball team at Natick High compiled a regular-season record of 10-10 — numbers that may not seem significant but good enough to snap a seven-year streak of failing to qualify for tourney play.
Coach Jason Hoye’s Redhawks entered their final game of the season at 9-10 but they pulled out a victory that sent them into the playoffs where they lost in the opening round to familiar foe Wellesley.
“Our kids battled hard to qualify,’’ said Hoye, who’s in his sixth year as Natick’s coach. “We faced Lincoln-Sudbury in our final game in the Pedroli Tournament and won, 5-2, But, we lost our opener in the playoffs to Wellesley, 3-1. Our goals this season are to improve daily, take each game one at a time and to get back to the tourney.’’
The 40-year-old Hoye, who previously coached at Holliston, firmly believes his Redhawks will make it back-to-back post-season appearances. “It’s realistic and we expect to be there,’’ he emphasized. “We know it’s a challenge and that no one’s going to hand it to us. But, it’s definitely our long-range goal.’’
Natick lost seven seniors from last year’s team but Hoye’s optimism is rooted in the return of seven regulars who possess a plethora of strengths.
“We’ve got experience, especially on our bench, our mechanics and technique are good and the players all have a high baseball IQ,’’ he noted. “Our defense and hitting are assets and we’ve got depth. Although we’ve lost four pitchers from last year, we’ve got capable replacements but we have to determine their roles — who’ll start, who’ll be in middle-inning relief and who’ll be the closer. Hopefully we’ll jell quickly and our team chemistry will be a plus.’’
Here’s a thumbnail look at the core group with comments provided by Hoye:
SENIORS
*MAX FERRUCCI — A captain, the centerfielder hit .391 in the leadoff slot last year. Clouted six doubles, had 25 hits and managed to score 17 runs. Has good range, speed, a strong arm and is a solid contact hitter who can be patient or aggressive at the plate. A two-year starter, he was a Metrowest Daily News all-star as a junior.
*ADAM FABERMAN — A starter last year at first base, he’s ultra competitive, fundamentally sound and strong defensively. A team leader, his offensive ability includes gap power.
*AUSTIN TWISS — A two-year starter at shortstop, he’s a capable fielder who has a strong arm. His bat speed, which accounted for 10 RBIs, is effective. A powerful hitter who can deliver home runs.
*JACOB GREENBERG — A pitcher/outfielder, the left-handed hurler locates the ball strategically and is consistently around the strike zone. He’s crafty and smart. A solid contact hitter who has arm strength, he’s in the mix for a starting role in the outfield.
*BEN HICKMAN — A pitcher/outfielder, the right-hander throws hard, mixes his speeds and has a good assortment of pitches. Long and rangy, he’s an aggressive hitter who relies on good instincts.
*DAVID KNOX — An infielder/pitcher, the right-hander, who missed his junior year because of a knee injury, is a smart hurler who can mix speeds. He’s got a strong arm and he also banks on instincts. A starter at third base as a sophomore, he’s got good hands and is very coachable.
*COLIN GHILANI — An outfield/pitcher, the right-hander throws hard, can change speeds and has an effective assortment of pitches. His ability to locate his pitches is a plus. A consistent contact hitter, he scored 10 runs last year.
JUNIORS
*FELIX FERRUCCI — A middle infielder, he led the Redhawks in RBIs with 13 last year. A solid contact hitter, he batted .280 and had five doubles. Able to hit to the gaps, he’s fundamentally sound, flexible and fluid. Has excellent leadership qualities.
*LUKE GRIGNAFFINI — A catcher who’s been a starter for three seasons, he calls a game smartly and keeps the pitching staff calm. Strong defensively, he blocks the plate well and threw out 12 runners attempting to steal bases. Improved offensively, he can hit for singles or for power.
*WILL HASKELL — An outfielder, he’s a tremendous hitter who’s big, strong and can hit for power to all fields. Has an exceptionally strong arm. His three-run home run last year sparked Natick to a 5-2 victory over Needham.
*AIDAN HAWLEY — An outfielder/pitcher, the lefty relies on off-speed pitches and his location is solid. A consistent fielder, his range and arm strength are top-notch and he’s an effective contact hitter.
Where the Redhawks will finish in the Carey Division is difficult to gauge and Hoye concurs that any of the five teams have a legitimate shot at the crown. “Framingham has a new coach and they’re a solid squad that competes hard,’’ he noted. “Wellesley has everyone back after a good tourney run; Brookline has all its pitchers returning and Newton North won the Super 8 Tournament not too long ago.’’
Hoye stresses an athletic philosophy that combines a disciplined competitive style with reaching one’s potential and an assurance that the sport is providing enjoyment.
“If kids are working to be the best they can be and having fun along the way, winning usually follows,’’ he said. “And, valuable life lessons can be learned in athletics, like being accountable, overcoming adversity and developing leadership qualities.’’
Hoye’s 18-20 man roster this year will include players who are unselfish, accountable, coachable and disciplined. That formula should produce positive results and also another tournament berth.
The journey begins on April 5 at Needham against the defending Division 1 State champs.