No Rebuilding In Sight For Montville Baseball

The most successful businesses pride themselves on being recession-proof. No matter what is going on in the economy, these businesses thrive by continuing to provide a quality product.

The most successful baseball programs pride themselves on being rebuilding-proof. No matter how many quality players graduate, there is more well-prepared talent on the way up to make their mark on the varsity level.

The Montville High baseball team is one of those rebuilding-proof programs. Coach Phil Orbe enters his 17th year, armed with two state titles and a string of nine straight trips to at least the state quarterfinals. Dozens of college standouts, including a professional in Anthony Giansanti, have passed through the Indian program since 2000, but Montville continues to produce a quality product with no rebuilding in sight.

So even though Montville lost a workhorse pitcher in 10-game winner Justin Brachas, an All-Area catcher in Kyle Holland and one of Orbe's most productive players ever in shortstop Jesse Sutherland from last year's Class M state title team, Montville expects another strong season in 2011.

Last year represented perhaps the apex of Montville's program history, topping fierce rival Waterford in the state final, 6-4. This year's squad wears T-shirts to practice with the words "We, not  me" on  the front. The emphasis on the program rather than individuals, plus a business-like approach and an attention to fundamentals from freshman to jayvee to varsity creates a constant pipeline of talent.

"We have always strived to have a successful program rather than a string of successful seasons.," Orbe said,. "Much of this success is attributed to the quality of instruction at the lower levels. Our pitching coordinator Steve Stonoha and his assistant Jeff Hancock work with all three levels of the program as does hitting coach Brent Southworth."

Montville, 23-3 last year, seems poised to reload with well-prepared talent.

"This is something that our [subvarsity] head coaches Colin Delaney and Chris Ouellette should be extremely proud about," Orbe said. "They have done an outstanding job preparing the younger athletes for varsity action."

Senior second baseman Tyler Contillo returns as the team's leader after batting .423 with 42 runs scored and 12 extra base hits as a junior. Junior outfielder Max Hart (.390, 33 RBI last year) and senior third baseman Casey Zalagens (.337) join him as mid-order threats. Pitcher-centerfielder Corey Wilcox (2-0 record, 16 RBI) and pitcher Tre Gonzalez (5-0 as No. 3 starter) also return.

Junior pitcher-first baseman Tyler Guetens saw some varsity time as did junior shortstop Nick Kinder and senior first basenman Tim Nott. Orbe reports competition still exists for playing time at shortstop, catcher, first base, right field, designated hitter and No. 3 starting pitcher.

A number of varsity newcomers, many of whom played for a 21-3 Montville Junior Legion team last summer, refuel the talent tank. Jason Volpe and Josh Hill are battling at catcher. Brandon Haas, Ryan Hewitt, Jordan Volpe are looking for time in the infield, Ken Strecker, Jeremy Ryan and Dominic Walmsley vie for outfield positions. Sophomore Jake Basilica adds depth at designated hitter and first base and classmate Jeff Robbins could see innings at pitcher.

Scouting the ECC, Montville, defending Medium Division champ, looks like one of the best along with New London, Fitch, Waterford and St. Bernard. Orbe expects the Indians to hit and play defense, so how well Montville ultimately does could hinge on the development of its young talent and pitching.

That has usually spelled doom for MHS opponents. The Indians open April 7 against Griswold at home.

"This year’s team will build off of last year’s freshman (12-3) and jv (15-2) teams’ success," Orbe said. "A tough non-league schedule (Maloney, RHAM, Waterford) along with always competitive ECC should prepare the team for the state tournament.”