Team Preview: Whitestown Post 1113

Manager Paul Engelhart, Coach Jason Engelhart, Coach Jeff Rossiter

Losses: Andy Starczewski, Dave Stevens.
Returning Players: Tyler Beck (OF/2B), Jim Engler (3B/OF), Mike Fasolo (P/2B), Alex Ferenti (P/SS), Conner Flisnik (SS/2B), Chris Flynn (1B), George Hajjar (OF), Dan Krol (P), Mike Mahay (P), Mike Nassar (OF), Paris Rich (OF), Zack Swider (P), Chris Vomer (C), Matt Wilk (3B).
Newcomers: Scott Barry (C), Matt Engler (P/1B), M.J. Hajec (P/OF), Jim Klauser (OF).

I e-mailed Whitestown manager Paul Engelhart these questions a couple weeks ago in hopes to have a season preview on Post 1113 for you guys. However, due to the extended season of the Whitesboro High School team, it wasn't possible. However, Paul wrote back to me a few days ago with some great, in-depth responses. I figured I should share them with you guys as it will give you a great idea of what he expects from his team this summer (and it should be even more interesting at this point, considering they've already played six games).

AD: The Utica and Watertown Tournaments and other non-league games – what do they do for your team?
PE: They allow us the chance to play our young players side-by-side with our veteran players in order for them to gain the necessary game experience, which in turn adds depth to our squad as well as providing a solid foundation for the following season. Every year we play quite a few non-league games because of this philosophy. Most of our veteran players this season have been on the team for two or three years and went through the same process when they were "rookies" on the team. It keeps everybody hungry since every player will get a chance to play at least a few games each week throughout the season.

AD: You lose a big bat and emotional leader in Andy Starzcewski. How much does that hurt the club? Do you lose anyone else (who)?
PE: I wouldn't say that Andy's loss will necessarily "hurt" the club, because what he left behind was very deeply instilled in all of our returning players - his work ethic and lead-by-example attitude. Even though he had a monster year for us last season statistics wise, his intensity and wanting the game to "rest in his hands" mentality will be missed the most. He did his loudest talking with his bat, glove, and arm, not by any words. We also lose Dave Stevens. Dave did not play baseball this spring as a freshman at Utica College and also has a mild wrist injury due to soccer, so he decided not to play this summer.

AD: You have returning all-stars in Mike Mahay (10-1, 1.79 ERA), Zack Swider (9-1, 2.38 ERA), Alex Ferenti (.392, 39 RBIs) and George Hajjar (.369, 49 RBIs). They all had some great numbers last year. What do you expect out of these guys this year?
PE: I expect quite a bit from these guys and always do from our returning all-stars. First and foremost, they need to give 100% effort every single day during practices and games, as well as provide leadership for the rest of the team when in the game as well as on the bench, especially since Mike and Zack are exclusively pitchers. Secondly, they also have to stay "hungry" and try to build upon the success of last season. We definitely are not going to sit back and expect good things to happen just because of our playoff run last year. It took our program over 50 years to win Whitestown Post's first District V title and first appearance in the New York State Tournament. This year's team is determined to do whatever it takes to participate in both tournaments again this summer. These guys know that we have a bulls eye on our backs and they relish the the opportunity to get back to the County playoffs and hopefully play into August again.

AD: Who are the newcomers?
PE: We picked up four new players as a result of our tryouts last week - Jim Klauser, Scott Barry, Matt Engler, and M.J. Hajek. Jim will be moving over to our team from Adrean Post, where he has played the past two summers. Jim transferred back to Whitesboro High School this past fall after attending Notre Dame for 9th and 10th grade. He started in centerfield on Whitesboro's Varsity baseball team this spring and will provide us with added depth in the outfield as well as at the top of the batting order. Scott will primarily be our back-up catcher and work with the pitchers in the bullpen. M.J. is a hardworking young right-handed pitcher and outfielder. Matt is a very young left-handed pitcher and first baseman who has a big upside. Both M.J. and Matt played on Whitesboro's JV team this spring and provide us with needed pitching depth.

AD: What do you like most about this team?
PE: Team chemistry and "never-say-die" attitude. They proved to themselves last summer throughout the three weeks of playoff games that they could fight back in every game they played if they continued to work hard, stayed focused, and remained positive.

AD: What does your team need to work on the most?
PE: Consistency. First and foremost, we need to bring a strong work ethic and desire every single day, whether it's for a game or practice. We also need to stop playing to the level of competition and instead play to the best of our ability all the time instead of just "getting up for the big games" against the top teams we play.

AD: Your coaching staff – how much does it help to have the extra guys around to help out?
PE: It helps tremendously. My son and former WP 1113 player, Jason Engelhart (1998-2000), has been my assistant coach since 2001 and he helps out in all facets on the field. Another former player, Jeff Rossiter (1996-1998), joined us as an assistant coach last summer and has been a big asset to the team as well, jumping right into the fray during practices and games.

AD: What is this team’s ultimate goal?
PE: To build upon last year's success and qualify for Oneida County Playoffs. If we're fortunate enough to make "Counties" coming out of the tough Blue Division, we should have the necessary depth and experience to advance to the District V Tournament and hopefully the New York State Tournament again.

AD: You guys finally got over the hump in the playoffs last year. How much does last year’s experience in the state tournament help you out this year?
PE: The "experience factor," in my opinion, is a huge advantage. We proved last year what we could accomplish if we played as a team and stayed focused. They know what it took and what it feels like to make it to the state tournament. It provides us with a very attainable goal since we have most of the team back and they are all eager to make another run this year.

AD: Who do you see as being the major contenders this year?
PE: I see a number of contenders, obviously starting with Smith Post since they reached the state finals and only lost four players. With the return of Garrett Baker and the possible addition of Joe Melioris to the pitching staff, they add two of the area's bigger guns to an already solid pitching staff led by Kyle Richardson. New Hartford, Adrean, Utica, and Sherrill all have many of their core players returning as well and should compete for division crowns. Helmuth-Ingalls, Parkhurst, and Love didn't lose a lot either and should be able to improve upon their records from last year. From top to bottom, I think this year's league has much more parity than in recent years, which should lead to exciting action every single league game.