Spring Sports Preview: Scarsdale Baseball

As the weather gets warmer and the school year gets closer to the end, it can only mean one thing: the start of another wonderful baseball season.

Over on Post Road, the members of the Scarsdale baseball team are looking to get back on the field to avenge last year's first round playoff loss to Fox Lane.

After finishing last year over .500, Scarsdale met its regular season expectations by securing a spot in the sectional playoffs.

Coach Doc Scholl believed that last year's team was in a great position to advance far in the playoffs, but let its nerves get in the way.

"We went up early in the game, and eventually it all fell apart as the game went on," Scholl said. "I know we had a great group, but we will have to work hard to exceed last year's results."

This year's team will rely heavily on starting pitching. With five solid starting pitchers, including staff ace senior captain Colin Markel, the Raiders expect to be competitive in every game this season.

With the loss of its best hitter, Michael Morris, slugging first basemen who graduated and now plays college baseball in Vermont, Scarsdale will lean on its senior hitters to help support its starting pitching.

Scholl expects some of his players to step up this season including Ethan Shemberg, a third basemen who also pitches. Scholl referred to Shemberg as the "heart and soul" of this team for his worth ethic and team leadership.  

Markel said chemistry is the foundation in which a great team is made.

"It's important to get to know each other not just on the field but off as well," he said.

Other hitters expected to fill the hole left by Morris are David Wheeler and Henry Hirsch. Hirsch also contributes to the starting rotation and appears to be a key cog in the success of this team.

One player who has caught Coach Scholl's attention is backup shortstop Daniel Potter.

"Potter has really played well so far during practice sessions," Scholl said. "He is really pushing for playing time and deserves to get some time on the field."

Look for the Scarsdale Raiders to be near the top of the standings this year and perhaps get through the first round of the playoffs behind its pitching and its coach.