Mepham Baseball's Bill Murphy Readies His Squad for 2010

A small army of excited young men decked in maroon and white - stretching, throwing, jogging in unison. Bats cracked, gloves popped; and that little leather pea was making it's way around the diamond. The Mepham Varsity Baseball team was hard at work as they prepared for the 2010 season.

This year's squad is a balanced, experienced group determined to build on its tradition of recent, but ultimately unfulfilling post-season success.

"Last year we made it to the elimination game of the county quarter finals," said Head Coach Bill Murphy. "We had a very young team last year and we are looking for the experience factor to play a large part in our confidence approaching this season."

Catcher Casey Brandmaier (Dowling), first baseman Doug Marshall (SUNY New Paltz), Mike Spadaro (undecided - multiple offers), shortstop Steve Luczaj (Caldwell, New Jersey) and third baseman Tom Pizano (Caldwell, New Jersey) make up the All County senior infield that will anchor the 2010 Pirates and play a huge part in it's success of failure.

"We have a core group of seniors who are returning," said Murphy. "While they have been in the program, they've seen the varsity team go to the semi-finals twice and the quarter-finals once. They're focused on continuing that tradition."

To do so, Mepham will have to battle its way through a tough schedule loaded with tough competition.With his even-keeled approach, Murphy refuses to take any particular team too heavily or lightly. 

"As far as we are concerned, every game this year is a rivalry game," Murphy said. "No team is more important than any other. Our job is to go out and play as hard as we can and let the chips fall where they may. More often than not, things will turn out in your favor when you have talent and can put forth your maximum effort."

Murphy's a baseball man through and through - and his team seems to have picked up on that vibe.

"Our program is focusing on each player to do the right thing, all the time, regardless of their role," he added. "Our players take the approach of trying to win at each facet of the game."

"Playoff experience has taught us what a lack of pitching or defense can do in a series regardless of how well you hit," he added. "So this year we are putting an emphasis on pitching to avoid putting pressure on our most reliable assets."

Mepham opens their season on against inter-district rival Kennedy today at Kennedy High School in Bellmore. First pitch is at 4:15 p.m.