Jan 4, 2008

Mustang Baseball Anxious to Start Season

Owings Mills, MD- The Mustangs are very excited to start their 2008 season. Making their first NCAA Regional Tournament last season, we are aiming higher this season. "We will be a very dynamic team this season, this is the first time in the history of our program that we will have a team dominated by upperclassmen. Most of which have had 2 years of seasoning" says Coach Tawney. Entering his 6^th season at the helm of the Mustangs team Coach Tawney is quietly building a local powerhouse.

In 2006, they finished tied for 1^st in the NEAC conference, finishing 2^nd in the tournament and earning a bid to play in the postseason with a 29-16 record. Coach Tawney's team also defeated nationally ranked #13 Hampden Sydney, and #2 Salisbury their 4^th victory over nationally ranked opponents in the last 2 years. Last season we earned our first NCAA Regional appearance with a final record of 24-22. In the last 3 seasons, we have compiled a 78-56 record. This season's team returns all but one of their starting pitchers from last season, and only 1 starting position player to graduation.

"We are returning 20 players from last season, almost all of our core hitters, and we have injected 18 newcomers. With this incoming recruiting class, I expect this to be our most well rounded team. We are expected to struggle in the new conference (CAC), but we have faired well against most of those teams in the past, our goals are set very high," states Tawney. In 2006, Villa finished 49^th in Avg. (.328), 65^th in ERA (4.01), 41^st Triples per game (.41), 32^nd in K's per nine (7.3), out of 351 Division III Baseball Teams.

Catchers
Starting behind the plate, where Villa Julie has a long line of tradition with superior catching, will be Captain Junior Griffin Stewart (Bel Air) (.260, 21R, 7 2B's, 3 HR, 22 RBI's). Griff started most of last season behind the plate, and will bring some terrific experience to the team. Behind Stewart will be JUCO transfer Junior Max Eckert (Anne Arundel CC). Max brings a terrific arm, and terrific blocking skills as well as the ability to handle a pitching staff. An all-around athlete, he will also see time a 1B this season. Also backing up Stewart will be, Division I transfer Sophomore George Papuchis (LaSalle), who brings leadership and strong blocking skills to the game. But what Papuchis really brings is his bat that will force his name into the lineup in the OF, DH or behind the plate during most games. George brings a powerful right handed stick to the Mustangs lineup. Freshman Nick Sydnor (Northern HS) will also contribute this season, mostly with his bat. He will be battling for AB's at DH, C and in the OF this season. "This is a strong group for us, both offensively and defensively. We are very deep, and it will be a challenge for me to keep everyone fresh" says Coach Tawney.

Infield SS-3B
The left side of our infield will look much different than the beginning of year last season. At 3B, JUCO transfer Junior Brett Steele (CCBC-Catonsville) will bring his powerful bat, and terrific defensive prowess to the Mustangs lineup. "Brett was our top recruit this season, and he will make a major impact immediately in our program," states Coach Tawney. Sophomore John Jackson (Cardinal Gibbons) (9G, 14 AB's, 5 RBI's), will be the primary backup at this position. John has had a terrific fall and is rising to the challenge and will find himself getting plenty of at bats this season. "John has really worked hard in the last couple of months to make sure he leaves his mark on the Mustangs program," says Coach Tawney. Shortstop returns last season's starter for most of the year, Junior Ryan Baione (Westlake) (.356, 25R, 7 2B's, 4 3B's, 3 HR's, 34 RBI's, 11 SB's) will start the season. Ryan had a coming out party last season with a terrific offensive year, but what you don't see his defense. "Ryan has some of the best tools I have seen for a shortstop in a long time, great hands, great range, and a very strong arm" states Tawney. JUCO transfer Junior Sean Dolan (Anne Arundel CC) looks to be the primary backup at shortstop, and will prove very valuable when Baione is on the mound. "The left side of our infield will be the backbone of our defense, the 4 guys we have on the left side will get the job done, and I am ecstatic to see the type of defense we will showcase, oh and by the way, they can hit too," states Tawney.

Infield 1B-2B
The right side of our IF, brings back a returner at 1B, and a newcomer at 2B. At 2^nd Base, Freshman Kyle VanBeek (John Carroll), will get the initial nod. With his blazing speed and left handed stick, he should be able to make a quick adjustment from the high school level. Senior Nick Deaner (Calvert Hall), (.308, 16G 7 Starts) will be the primary back up at 2^nd. Last season he proved he can be pressed into duty anywhere on the IF as he finished the year as the starting third baseman. "Kyle could be on his way to having a terrific career at VJC, his speed is undeniable. Nick is a guy I can turn to, to play SS, 2B or 3B at anytime, and he allows me to rest easy during a game," says Coach Tawney. At 1^st Base, the Mustangs return 1^st Team All-NEAC Captain Senior Buddy Breidenbaugh (Harford CC), (.369, 31R, 9 2B's, 3 3B's 3 HR's 30 RBI's,) an anchor to the offense and defense. Buddy is a terrific 1B, and is also a hitter that has proven he can hit in the 3, 4, 5 spots in our lineup. Eckert and Junior Chris Hayden (Chopticon), (.481, 17 G, 8 Starts, 8 RBI's) will be the primary backups at 1B when Buddy is on the mound "The right side of our IF will pack some punch offensively regardless of who is in the lineup. Because of guys who pitch and play the field the names may change a bit day to day, but I expect our offensive production to be consistent," says Coach.

Outfield
Tawney remarks, "I expect our outfield to be very strong this season, we have a good combination of speed and power with our top 5-6 guys. This group has tremendous potential!"

Senior 2 time All-NEAC selection OF, Jimmy Smith (North Carroll) (.320, 30 R, 10 2B's, 3 3B's, 1 HR, 27 RBI's) will be the leader of this squad in center field. Captain, Junior 2 time All-NEAC selection Wade Keenan (Liberty) (.381, 28 R, 7 2B's, 2 3B's 18 RBI's, 17 SB's) is coming of a terrific season that was slowed by a hamstring pull in the middle of the season will be in LF. Wade brings speed, a strong arm, and a terrific bat to the everyday lineup and can be used to hit anywhere from 1-3. In right field, Papuchis will look to get the nod to start the season. A converted catcher, he has done a very nice job using his strong arm and deceptive speed to play a solid OF this fall. "Our starting OF is strong offensively, and as they play together their defense will get stronger," says Tawney. Should any of these guys go down for an extended period we have some quality guys that can step in including Freshman Dustin Tarlow (Westminster), Junior Bryan Chouinard (Hereford) (.261, 31 Games, 19 Starts), Freshman Andrew Chase (River Hill), and Junior Marc Payne (Parkside) (.271, 11 Games, 1 Start).

DH
Senior Alex Laddbush (Mercerburg Prep), (.354, 34R, 11 2B's, 5 3B's, 35 RBI's) returns as an All-South DH from last season and 1^st Team All-NEAC. Although his stats show he had a strong season, he was returning from 2 years off, and we expect even more from him this season. Freshman Nick Sydnor will also look to get AB's at this position as well as Papuchis.

Pitching Starters
Anchoring the staff this season will be Junior Wade Keenan (2-5, 2.91 ERA, 52.2 IP, 54 K's). Keenan was named All South as a pitcher last season and looks to solidify his position as one of the best pitchers in DIII. Senior Buddy Breidenbaugh (3-6, 4.64 ERA, 64.0 IP 48 K's) will return as the #2 on the staff as he led the team in innings last season. Now that he has a season of coaching from our staff under his belt, we look for him to have dominate year on the mound. Junior Ryan Baione (2-3, 32.2 IP ) is coming off of a subpar season on the mound and will be looking to return to his freshman form when he won 8 games. "Ryan has gone back to basics and had a great fall to solidify himself as our #3. Wade has been and will continue to be our top guy on the mound. After 2 seasons, he is only getting better. Buddy at 6'5 his intimidating on the mound, and with his heavy hard fastball, he will take the next step to dominate this season," states Coach Tawney. Finishing out the 4-man rotation will be one of 2 guys, Junior Chris Hayden (2-2, 1.91 ERA, 37.2 IP, 35 K's), or Sophomore transfer Derrick Nason (Coastal Carolina). Both of these guys through the ball well this fall, and regardless who starts the other will also pick up major innings as one of our primary relievers. "Chris is coming off of an unbelievable season and will be depended upon heavily. Derrick brings a strong mound presence and a powerful fastball to go along with a great Change and Curve. I'm excited about the starting rotation this year, regardless of who is going, they all give of a chance to win!" Says Tawney.

Pitching Relief
Villa should have a truly dominate bullpen behind our starters. Senior Closer Alex Laddbush (2-1, 4.61 ERA, 3 Saves, 13.2 IP, 18 K's) will look to dominate with his low 90's fastball. He was on his way to a terrific season last year until he developed a little tendinitis this season. He was 100% in the fall, and was truly dominate. Sophomore John Jackson (2-1, 3.96 ERA, 12 Games, 3 Starts, 25 IP) has added a few mph, as has Sophomore John Skyrnecki (Cardinal Gibbons), (3.00 ERA, 9 IP, 10 K's) and both look to be primary guys in our bullpen. Senior Phil Kraska (Mt. St. Joe), (3-2, 3.91 ERA, 25.1 IP, 17 K's) and Senior John Jilek (Polytech), (2-0, 2.45 ERA, 2 Starts, 14.2 IP, 10 K's) also made a very good impression in the fall. Freshman Pat Quinn (Linganore), along with Sophomore transfer Brian Spinazzola (Boys Latin) pitched very well in the fall. Quinn comes with a hard fastball and very good stuff, while Brian pitches effectively while using movement and location. "This season we will have a legitimate bullpen to finish games for our starters. I think it will make a tremendous difference in our team and our W/L record," says Tawney.

All in all, the Mustangs have a very talented and strong team this season. "If this team comes together like our team did 2 years ago, we could have a truly special season. This is the most talented team I have coached and our staff is extremely excited to not only get on with the season but to play in the Capital Athletic Conference," states Coach Tawney. The Mustangs staff is still recruiting and always looking for talented players for their program. Two consecutive years of postseason play, keep an eye out to see if they will make it 3 in a row.


Baseball Basketball Cheer Cross Country Golf Lacrosse Soccer Tennis Volleyball Basketball Cheer Cross Country Dance Field Hockey Lacrosse Soccer Softball Tennis Volleyball Go Mustangs Home Staff Directory Athletic Training Recruiting Info SID Page Visitor Info Hall of Fame Facilities Intramurals Phys Ed SAAC Parents Guide Media Guides Fitness Center	Home \| Roster \| Schedule/Results \| Statistics \| News \| Coaches \| Baseball Field Directions Jan 4, 2008 Mustang Baseball Anxious to Start Season Owings Mills, MD- The Mustangs are very excited to start their 2008 season. Making their first NCAA Regional Tournament last season, we are aiming higher this season. "We will be a very dynamic team this season, this is the first time in the history of our program that we will have a team dominated by upperclassmen. Most of which have had 2 years of seasoning" says Coach Tawney. Entering his 6^th season at the helm of the Mustangs team Coach Tawney is quietly building a local powerhouse. In 2006, they finished tied for 1^st in the NEAC conference, finishing 2^nd in the tournament and earning a bid to play in the postseason with a 29-16 record. Coach Tawney's team also defeated nationally ranked #13 Hampden Sydney, and #2 Salisbury their 4^th victory over nationally ranked opponents in the last 2 years. Last season we earned our first NCAA Regional appearance with a final record of 24-22. In the last 3 seasons, we have compiled a 78-56 record. This season's team returns all but one of their starting pitchers from last season, and only 1 starting position player to graduation. "We are returning 20 players from last season, almost all of our core hitters, and we have injected 18 newcomers. With this incoming recruiting class, I expect this to be our most well rounded team. We are expected to struggle in the new conference (CAC), but we have faired well against most of those teams in the past, our goals are set very high," states Tawney. In 2006, Villa finished 49^th in Avg. (.328), 65^th in ERA (4.01), 41^st Triples per game (.41), 32^nd in K's per nine (7.3), out of 351 Division III Baseball Teams. Catchers Starting behind the plate, where Villa Julie has a long line of tradition with superior catching, will be Captain Junior Griffin Stewart (Bel Air) (.260, 21R, 7 2B's, 3 HR, 22 RBI's). Griff started most of last season behind the plate, and will bring some terrific experience to the team. Behind Stewart will be JUCO transfer Junior Max Eckert (Anne Arundel CC). Max brings a terrific arm, and terrific blocking skills as well as the ability to handle a pitching staff. An all-around athlete, he will also see time a 1B this season. Also backing up Stewart will be, Division I transfer Sophomore George Papuchis (LaSalle), who brings leadership and strong blocking skills to the game. But what Papuchis really brings is his bat that will force his name into the lineup in the OF, DH or behind the plate during most games. George brings a powerful right handed stick to the Mustangs lineup. Freshman Nick Sydnor (Northern HS) will also contribute this season, mostly with his bat. He will be battling for AB's at DH, C and in the OF this season. "This is a strong group for us, both offensively and defensively. We are very deep, and it will be a challenge for me to keep everyone fresh" says Coach Tawney. Infield SS-3B The left side of our infield will look much different than the beginning of year last season. At 3B, JUCO transfer Junior Brett Steele (CCBC-Catonsville) will bring his powerful bat, and terrific defensive prowess to the Mustangs lineup. "Brett was our top recruit this season, and he will make a major impact immediately in our program," states Coach Tawney. Sophomore John Jackson (Cardinal Gibbons) (9G, 14 AB's, 5 RBI's), will be the primary backup at this position. John has had a terrific fall and is rising to the challenge and will find himself getting plenty of at bats this season. "John has really worked hard in the last couple of months to make sure he leaves his mark on the Mustangs program," says Coach Tawney. Shortstop returns last season's starter for most of the year, Junior Ryan Baione (Westlake) (.356, 25R, 7 2B's, 4 3B's, 3 HR's, 34 RBI's, 11 SB's) will start the season. Ryan had a coming out party last season with a terrific offensive year, but what you don't see his defense. "Ryan has some of the best tools I have seen for a shortstop in a long time, great hands, great range, and a very strong arm" states Tawney. JUCO transfer Junior Sean Dolan (Anne Arundel CC) looks to be the primary backup at shortstop, and will prove very valuable when Baione is on the mound. "The left side of our infield will be the backbone of our defense, the 4 guys we have on the left side will get the job done, and I am ecstatic to see the type of defense we will showcase, oh and by the way, they can hit too," states Tawney. Infield 1B-2B The right side of our IF, brings back a returner at 1B, and a newcomer at 2B. At 2^nd Base, Freshman Kyle VanBeek (John Carroll), will get the initial nod. With his blazing speed and left handed stick, he should be able to make a quick adjustment from the high school level. Senior Nick Deaner (Calvert Hall), (.308, 16G 7 Starts) will be the primary back up at 2^nd. Last season he proved he can be pressed into duty anywhere on the IF as he finished the year as the starting third baseman. "Kyle could be on his way to having a terrific career at VJC, his speed is undeniable. Nick is a guy I can turn to, to play SS, 2B or 3B at anytime, and he allows me to rest easy during a game," says Coach Tawney. At 1^st Base, the Mustangs return 1^st Team All-NEAC Captain Senior Buddy Breidenbaugh (Harford CC), (.369, 31R, 9 2B's, 3 3B's 3 HR's 30 RBI's,) an anchor to the offense and defense. Buddy is a terrific 1B, and is also a hitter that has proven he can hit in the 3, 4, 5 spots in our lineup. Eckert and Junior Chris Hayden (Chopticon), (.481, 17 G, 8 Starts, 8 RBI's) will be the primary backups at 1B when Buddy is on the mound "The right side of our IF will pack some punch offensively regardless of who is in the lineup. Because of guys who pitch and play the field the names may change a bit day to day, but I expect our offensive production to be consistent," says Coach. Outfield Tawney remarks, "I expect our outfield to be very strong this season, we have a good combination of speed and power with our top 5-6 guys. This group has tremendous potential!" Senior 2 time All-NEAC selection OF, Jimmy Smith (North Carroll) (.320, 30 R, 10 2B's, 3 3B's, 1 HR, 27 RBI's) will be the leader of this squad in center field. Captain, Junior 2 time All-NEAC selection Wade Keenan (Liberty) (.381, 28 R, 7 2B's, 2 3B's 18 RBI's, 17 SB's) is coming of a terrific season that was slowed by a hamstring pull in the middle of the season will be in LF. Wade brings speed, a strong arm, and a terrific bat to the everyday lineup and can be used to hit anywhere from 1-3. In right field, Papuchis will look to get the nod to start the season. A converted catcher, he has done a very nice job using his strong arm and deceptive speed to play a solid OF this fall. "Our starting OF is strong offensively, and as they play together their defense will get stronger," says Tawney. Should any of these guys go down for an extended period we have some quality guys that can step in including Freshman Dustin Tarlow (Westminster), Junior Bryan Chouinard (Hereford) (.261, 31 Games, 19 Starts), Freshman Andrew Chase (River Hill), and Junior Marc Payne (Parkside) (.271, 11 Games, 1 Start). DH Senior Alex Laddbush (Mercerburg Prep), (.354, 34R, 11 2B's, 5 3B's, 35 RBI's) returns as an All-South DH from last season and 1^st Team All-NEAC. Although his stats show he had a strong season, he was returning from 2 years off, and we expect even more from him this season. Freshman Nick Sydnor will also look to get AB's at this position as well as Papuchis. Pitching Starters Anchoring the staff this season will be Junior Wade Keenan (2-5, 2.91 ERA, 52.2 IP, 54 K's). Keenan was named All South as a pitcher last season and looks to solidify his position as one of the best pitchers in DIII. Senior Buddy Breidenbaugh (3-6, 4.64 ERA, 64.0 IP 48 K's) will return as the #2 on the staff as he led the team in innings last season. Now that he has a season of coaching from our staff under his belt, we look for him to have dominate year on the mound. Junior Ryan Baione (2-3, 32.2 IP ) is coming off of a subpar season on the mound and will be looking to return to his freshman form when he won 8 games. "Ryan has gone back to basics and had a great fall to solidify himself as our #3. Wade has been and will continue to be our top guy on the mound. After 2 seasons, he is only getting better. Buddy at 6'5 his intimidating on the mound, and with his heavy hard fastball, he will take the next step to dominate this season," states Coach Tawney. Finishing out the 4-man rotation will be one of 2 guys, Junior Chris Hayden (2-2, 1.91 ERA, 37.2 IP, 35 K's), or Sophomore transfer Derrick Nason (Coastal Carolina). Both of these guys through the ball well this fall, and regardless who starts the other will also pick up major innings as one of our primary relievers. "Chris is coming off of an unbelievable season and will be depended upon heavily. Derrick brings a strong mound presence and a powerful fastball to go along with a great Change and Curve. I'm excited about the starting rotation this year, regardless of who is going, they all give of a chance to win!" Says Tawney. Pitching Relief Villa should have a truly dominate bullpen behind our starters. Senior Closer Alex Laddbush (2-1, 4.61 ERA, 3 Saves, 13.2 IP, 18 K's) will look to dominate with his low 90's fastball. He was on his way to a terrific season last year until he developed a little tendinitis this season. He was 100% in the fall, and was truly dominate. Sophomore John Jackson (2-1, 3.96 ERA, 12 Games, 3 Starts, 25 IP) has added a few mph, as has Sophomore John Skyrnecki (Cardinal Gibbons), (3.00 ERA, 9 IP, 10 K's) and both look to be primary guys in our bullpen. Senior Phil Kraska (Mt. St. Joe), (3-2, 3.91 ERA, 25.1 IP, 17 K's) and Senior John Jilek (Polytech), (2-0, 2.45 ERA, 2 Starts, 14.2 IP, 10 K's) also made a very good impression in the fall. Freshman Pat Quinn (Linganore), along with Sophomore transfer Brian Spinazzola (Boys Latin) pitched very well in the fall. Quinn comes with a hard fastball and very good stuff, while Brian pitches effectively while using movement and location. "This season we will have a legitimate bullpen to finish games for our starters. I think it will make a tremendous difference in our team and our W/L record," says Tawney. All in all, the Mustangs have a very talented and strong team this season. "If this team comes together like our team did 2 years ago, we could have a truly special season. This is the most talented team I have coached and our staff is extremely excited to not only get on with the season but to play in the Capital Athletic Conference," states Coach Tawney. The Mustangs staff is still recruiting and always looking for talented players for their program. Two consecutive years of postseason play, keep an eye out to see if they will make it 3 in a row.