The Raiders baseball squad has been hard at work this pre-season and the players are ready for the season to begin. Head Coach Dave Hennessey has been working with the team for the last month in the weight room and in the Raiders Den, but the team is eager to get outside. FM will finally get that chance when they travel to Myrtle Beach, SC to open up their 2018 season on Sunday, March 18th.
The roster shows a good blend of returning sophomores and talented freshmen.
Veterans on the roster include Richard Umholtz who led the team last year on the mound. He led the Raiders with a 3.38 ERA and struck out a team high 28 batter. Cory Moore is back for FM and will see a lot of time at short stop. Moore finished last season with a .258 batting average. Kyle Sherlock, Andrew Marciniak, Coby Caraballo, and Brogan Barker round out the returners and all will play an integral role on the squad.
The Raiders bring on ten new freshmen who will fill a lot of time in the lineup. Fonda-Fultonville standout, Daniel Parslow will give the Raiders depth in the infield and on the mound. Michael Brown (Johnstown), Hunter Young (Mayfield), James May (Fort Plain) and Bradley Smith and Michael Smith (OESJ) round out the local talent on the roster.
Capital District players Michael Reith, Noah Wygel, Joshua McCaffrey and Benjamin McHarg will look to make an impact right away as freshman.
FM will utilize a large pitching committee and solid offense to lead them in their 2018 season.
The Raiders will start their spring training road trip this coming weekend. FM will travel to Myrtle Beach where they will play seven games in five days starting on March 18th.
FM's northern schedule is set to begin on April 10th, weather permitting, at home, with games against Jefferson CC.
Photo (right): Kyle Sherlock pitches bunting practice.
Photo (below): Cory Moore gets the lead runner (Bradley Smith) during infield practice.
