CAPE ELIZABETH – It’s the beginning of April in Maine. Baseball is under way and the weather (so far) has allowed teams to take the diamond and begin preparations for what they hope will be successful campaign.
Among the teams hitting the diamond early is the Cape Elizabeth Capers, lead by varsity coach Chris Hayward.
The Capers got their first dose of live action on Saturday when they travelled to Orono for a pair of scrimmages against Old Town and Skowhegan, before scrimmaging Scarborough on Tuesday. The Capers will begin regular season play on Thursday, when they travel to Old Orchard to take on the Seagulls.
The Capers enter the 2012 season coming off a 12-4 record last year and a disappointing first-round loss to Falmouth. In order to make it back to the postseason and earn a shot at redemption, the Capers will have to overcome the loss of a large graduating class.
In order to do that, said Hayward, the Capers will have to rely on the fundamentals.
“Execution, execution, execution,” preached Hayward. “We practice the small stuff all the time. We got to be able to take an extra base and score runs somehow. We’ll find a way.”
While the Capers have a ton of pitching, anchored by Will Leblond, Sam Kozlowski, and Charlie Laprade, the team’s success depends on its ability to manufacture runs.
“I think we’ve got good pitching depth and some good experience,” said Hayward. “Well see if we can score runs. Our biggest concern is being able to score runs.”
Even with a lineup that will not be as potent as last season, Hayward’s philosophy remains the same in terms of getting to the playoffs. When asked about a realistic record for his team, Hayward’s message was simple: “Win enough games to make the playoffs and see what happens.”
“We’ve won championships from the nine hole and the one hole, so we just need to win enough to make the playoffs,” he said.
In order for Hayward’s squad to reach the playoffs they will need to rely on the leadership of Leblond, Matt Pierce and Max Gore, the team’s tri-captains.
“Hopefully they’ll do their job and everyone does what they’re suppose to do,” said Hayward. “Everyone here has been in the program, so they know what they’re suppose to do. It’s just whether or not they have the maturity to be able to do it.”
Cape Elizabeth baseball coach Chris Hayward preaches executing the fundamentals of the game. Here, Cape Elizabeth players work on a rundown between third and home during a practice last week. Send questions/comments to the editors.
