South Philadelphia baseball teams are on the move this season. Not a move in fields, but in divisions.
As reward for strong 2005 performances, the Bok Wildcats, under new coach Frank "Roscoe" Natale, are playing with the Public League big boys in Division A.
Prep Charter, last season’s Division C champ, is now in Division B.
Southern and Furness are still playing in Division C, the only difference is now there are 11 teams, making for a much smaller 10-game regular season. Last year, the squads each played 17 games. Many of the former Division C teams now make up the new Division D.
The second part of this year’s baseball preview, with a closer look at Bok, Furness, Prep Charter and Southern follows:
Team: Bok Wildcats
Coach: Frank Natale
Home field: 11th and Bigler streets
Division: A
2005 record: 17-3
Natale steps in for good friend Tom DeFelice, who retired after 34 seasons as Bok’s baseball coach. The new coach doesn’t have to worry about the pressure of making the playoffs, as all Division A teams get an automatic bid. But Natale doesn’t want his team waiting until May to start winning.
"We can spend the regular season getting ready for the playoffs, but at the same time we don’t want to be embarrassed by other teams," he said.
As far as experience goes, Bok is extremely young, with shortstop Nick Perrone being the lone senior.
Other key players: Matt Stewart, junior pitcher-outfielder; Mike Nunez, junior first baseman; Ray Martinez, sophomore centerfielder-shortstop; and Anthony Rivers, sophomore catcher.
Teams to beat: Frankford, Northeast and Washington
Coach’s outlook: "We are young, but should be OK. If we keep the right attitude, we’ll be fine."
Team: Furness Falcons
Coach: Bob Weidinger
Home field: 11th and Bigler streets
Division: B
2005 record: 11-7
The Falcons opened the season with a 6-5 victory over Martin Luther King. Junior first baseman and clean-up hitter James Kalbach’s two-run double was the game-winning hit. Add some returning varsity players from last year’s 11-win season and the squad has the pieces in place for a competitive year.
"I like what I’ve seen from half the team," Weidinger said. "The other half of the team doesn’t have much experience, so it’ll take some time."
Other key players: Paul Azzari, junior pitcher; Matthew Kolenberg, junior catcher; Carlton Wade, senior pitcher; and Tom Lehnau, junior shortstop-centerfielder.
Teams to beat: Strawberry Mansion, Bartram and Franklin Learning Center
Coach’s outlook: "I expect to be over .500. If we can throw strikes, we’ll be OK."
Team: Prep Charter Huskies
Coach: Shawn Magee
Home field: 24th and Jackson streets
Division: B
2005 record: 17-1
The Huskies know what it takes to make the postseason. Now they need to figure out how to win playoff games.
Magee, whose team was eliminated by Saul last season, is confident the talent is in place for a better showing this time around.
"We have a bunch of new guys who look very promising," he said.
As far as pitching, senior Bill McGovern will try to match his 2005 performance, when he tossed two no-hitters against Division C teams.
Other key players: Joe Hinkle, senior second baseman-catcher-outfielder; Dan Cavalieri, senior outfielder; Sean McGovern, sophomore infielder-outfielder; Michael Bariana, sophomore catcher; Casey Mangerum, sophomore outfielder; and Steve Sampurna, junior outfielder.
Teams to beat: Franklin Towne Charter and Kensington
Coach’s outlook: "We want to get back to the playoffs and try to get out of the first round."
Team: Southern Rams
Coach: Eric Weinstein
Home field: 11th and Bigler streets
Division: C
2005 record: 11-6
The Rams opened the season with a major void in pitching, since Miguel Perez moved to Florida. Last season, he tied a 31-year-old Public League record with 21 strikeouts. The upside, thanks to realignment, is the smaller schedule could pan out in Southern’s favor.
"I would rather play more games, but with less teams in the division. It gives us a better chance to make the playoffs," Weinstein said.
Key players: Ricky Nguyen, senior first baseman; Phillip Messina, junior second baseman-pitcher; Calvin Rodriguez, sophomore shortstop-second baseman; Daniel Weatherly, senior outfielder; and Mike Digneo, sophomore third baseman.
Teams to beat: Strawberry Mansion and Martin Luther King
Coach’s outlook: "We are not the most talented team, but I think we should be able to go out and compete. I would like to finish over .500."
