Linnane Switches from Between the Pipes to Behind the Plate

The snow has almost completely disappeared thanks to the warming spring sun. For North Reading High School junior Keith Linnane, that means one thing. It’s time to switch gloves.

Linnane just weeks ago wrapped up a strong season with the Hornets’ boys hockey team, ending with an overtime loss in the opening round of the North Division 2 postseason. Now he’s preparing for the 2013 North Reading baseball season, during which he’ll step from in between the pipes to behind the plate as the catcher for the defending state champions.

“Blocking the ball or gloving the puck, it’s almost the same thing,” said Linnane, who said he believes his experience last year on the diamond helped him on the ice this winter. “We knew what it was like to get a state championship and have a successful team. It helped us have a successful hockey season, just knowing how to win games.”

Hornets boys hockey head coach John Giuliotti said his goaltender was a big reason the team was able to make it all the way to the postseason.

“He’s been the backbone for the team, and has been over the last couple years,” said Giuliotti. “Goalies can certainly be the difference in a win or a loss. Keith has been that difference for us. He stole some games along the way.”

North Reading’s baseball team starts April off with several scrimmages before beginning its quest for a repeat on the road April 11 versus Triton.

Though hockey season has since wrapped up, the Hornets’ mentor said late in the season just how grateful he was to be able to rely on the championship experience of Linnane and other athletes.

“Winning breeds winning, and it can equate to all different sports,” said Giuliotti. “Those are intangables that help teams get over the bumps in the road.”