Salem Witches Baseball Gets Warmed Up

Spring is here, and for Witches fans, that means it's time, once again, to head out to the ballgame.

Under Head Coach Jimmy Tgettis, this year's SHS Varsity Baseball squad will be looking to get back to the tournament and improve on last year's 10-10 record. 

"I expect to make the tourney," Tgettis said Monday as his team practiced drills at Veterans Memorial Field House. "For the amount of work we put in, to not make the tournament would be a disappointment for me."

The Witches will need to get a lot of production from their number one starting pitcher, senior Daniel Dobrosielski, who led the team with four wins last season.

"He's a guy we'll be counting on," Tgettis said.

After Dobrosielski, Tgettis will look to get quality starts from juniors Teaghan Malionek and Luis Baez.

Beyond those two, Tgettis said some younger players will have to step up into roles as pitchers.

"For us to contend, someone else will have to emerge and get some wins for us," Tgettis said. 

On the offensive side, a lot is riding on the play of senior Dario Medrano, a Northeastern Conference all star last year.

"This year should be our break-out season," Medrano said.  

Here's a look at some of the players Tgettis expects to be in his starting nine.

Dario Medrano: Senior first baseman. Last year hit for a .426 average. Can hit the long ball. "Dario is one of the finer hitters in the NEC," Tgettis said.

Raphy Medrano: Senior center fielder. The other half of the dynamic . Has speed and defensive ability in center. A .300 hitter with some power.

Max Feeley: Senior outfielder. A third-year starter with lots of speed. Had 14 steals last season.

Daniel Dobrosielski: Senior pitcher/third baseman. Top gun. Plays third base on days he doesn't start on the mound.

Teaghan Malionek: Junior second baseman/catcher/pitcher. A utility player. Scrappy hitter. "A valuable asset to any coach," Tgettis said.

Jehnsy Troncoso: Starting shortstop. Took over the position from Raphy Medrano last year. Slick fielding and excellent range.

The Witches will see their first pitch of the regular season on Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m. at Malden High School.