Season Preview: Wakefield Hurlers Need to Pitch In

Life in the Middlesex League isn’t easy. It seems like whatever the sport, there are at least three or four teams that take pleasure in beating you handily. And more often than not, they do. 

This is where the Wakefield High baseball team finds itself at the start of the 2011 season. The Warriors finished 7-13 last season, and once again will have to deal with the likes of Lexington (18-3), Reading (19-5) and Belmont (14-8). 

“Every time we take the field we face a good team,” said Wakefield head coach Dennis Bisson. “And we’re aware of that and we expect that. There’s no gimmes in the Middlesex League. Every day you have to go out to play and play hard. If you let down you don’t win period.”

Returning for Wakefield this season will be senior captains Connor O’Brien and Michael Cannata. O’Brien is expected be the top man in the rotation this year, while Cannata, who was named a league all-star last season at third base will also be chipping in on the mound. 

“They give good direction out there,” said Bisso. “They’re leaders number one, which is a great trait and both are very good players. They lead by example on and off the field. They’re great kids and I’m looking forward to really working with both of them.”

Seniors Sean Alexander (OF), Robbie Ramassi (C/OF) and Matt Rej (P/OF) are also expected to contribute this season, with Rej getting some starts on the mound as well. 

“He pitched a little last year,” said Bisso. “He’s a tall lanky kid, a basketball player and I think he’s going to be OK for us this year.”

Junior Nick Calderon will be back behind the plate for Wakefield and outfielder Adam Giancola, fresh off a trip to the state finals with the hockey team, will add some pop to the lineup. 

“He’s a very good athlete and a real tough kid,” said Bisso. “He was captain of my golf team as well this year. He’s got a good bat. He’ll probably be fourth or fifth for us this year and he hits the ball very hard.” 

With a strong lineup and a solid defense, the Warriors should be able to make some noise in the Middlesex League this season, but that all depends if Wakefield’s pitching can stand up to the test. 

“So far I’m looking at a pretty good offensive lineup right down one through nine,” said Bisso. “Defensively I think we’re going to be OK. The only question mark right now is some depth in pitching I think.”

Wakefield’s season gets underway on Friday, April 8 with a home game against Wilmington.