Formidable Season Likely for BHS Baseball Team Nolan Eyes Improvement in 2nd Year as Coach

By KEN HAMWEY,

Bulletin Sports Writer

Andy Nolan’s first year as Bellingham High’s baseball coach had its share of ups and downs but his second season likely will produce some smooth sailing.

The Blackhawks, who had only one senior on their roster last year, posted a 9-10 record but they peaked late and earned a playoff berth. After defeating Clinton in the first round, they bowed to Abbington, 3-2. 

A majority of the young players that Nolan coached last year are returning and the 14 returnees possess a variety of strengths that should make Bellingham formidable in the Tri Valley League and in the playoffs.

“Our goals are to qualify for the tourney again, contend for the TVL Small Division title, compile some victories over the Large Division teams (0-6 last year) and to improve daily,’’ Nolan said. “Dedham and Medway will be strong teams in the Small Division. Dedham has talent and Medway beat us twice last year. Reaching our goals can be achieved because we have talent and just about every player is back.’’

Pitching and hitting are keys to success in baseball and the Blackhawks have both. The players also provide other strengths.

“We have depth and experience,’’ the 47-year-old Nolan emphasized. “Our pitching is strong and we’ve got power in the middle of the lineup. Our players are coachable, versatile and have a strong work ethic. They’re striving to improve their baseball IQs.’’

The Blackhawks senior captains — Ryan Maiorano and Dylan Haggerty — are top-notch leaders. “Ryan leads by example and Dylan is more of a vocal captain,’’ Nolan said.

A right-hander, Maiorano, who pitches and plays left field, was the TVL’s Small Division Pitcher of the Year. He had a 3-3 record, an E.R.A. of 1.86, 86 strikeouts and 43 walks. He hit .333 and had two home runs. He’s already committed to play at Fairfield University. 

“Ryan is a fierce competitor,’’ Nolan said. “He throws a fastball at 88 mph, and he’s got a slider and change-up. His control and velocity are very good. Aggressive on the mound and at the plate, he hits for power. His two home runs tied for the team lead.’’

Haggerty, who can catch and play the outfield, is versatile. “Dylan is our back-up catcher,’’ Nolan said, “and when he’s on the field, he always affects the game in a positive way. He’s got a high baseball IQ and has good instincts.’’

Juniors Tyler Ladouceur and Ryan Nolan (coach’s son) were TVL honorable-mention all-stars last year. Ladouceur, who pitches and plays first base or the outfield, led the team in hitting (.359) and had two home runs and 18 RBIs. Nolan, who plays second base, hit .356.

“Tyler is a left-hander who relies on a fastball, curve, slider and change-up,’’ Nolan said. “He’s a foul-line to foul-line power hitter who relies on a good eye at the plate. He’s also a steady outfielder. Ryan is our most consistent hitter. He’s patient at the plate but he’ll also go for the first pitch. Relying on a high baseball IQ, he can bunt well and is a very good fielder.’’

Sophomore John Sullivan, who’ll be catching, hit two home runs and batted .316 last year. “John has been a varsity starter since eighth grade,’’ said Nolan, who coached in Bellingham’s youth league for 10 years. “His arm strength and release have improved, he’s solid blocking the plate and he can calm down a pitcher. On offense, he’s a good mid-order presence in the lineup.’’

Senior third-baseman Troy Simpson can also pitch. “Troy can be a valuable starter,’’ Nolan offered. “A right-hander, he throws a fastball, curve and change-up but his curve is his out pitch. A mid-order hitter, he’s consistent on the mound. He’s stronger this year after spending time in the weight room.’’

A trio of seniors Robby Seyffert (first base) and Ely Sylvia (shortstop), and junior Ross Priscella (centerfielder) will play key roles.

“Robby is a power hitter who’ll be an important presence in the middle of the lineup,’’ Nolan noted. “Ely has good range and a strong arm at shortstop. He’s quiet but has a high baseball IQ. Ross is quick and fast in the outfield. He had a terrific game against Dedham last year, getting a single that drove in the winning run.’’

Five junior pitchers provide Nolan with plenty of depth. They include right-handers Alex Hughes, C.J. Fama, Sean Brown and Joe Corsi, and lefty Jack Hildred.

“Alex will start,’’ Nolan said. “He tied for the team lead with three victories. Relying on an arsenal of pitches, he keeps hitters off balance. C.J. had a 2.10 E.R.A. and will be used in relief. He throws at a variety of angles, he’s calm and banks on a slider and curve. Jack had a 2.56 E.R.A. and will be used in relief. He’s got great ability to work out of jams.

 Bellingham High’s baseball team enjoying a day on Cape Cod after last year’s campaign.

“Sean and Joe will work in relief. Both are dependable and they’re intense competitors who want to play. Our freshman class is talented and there could be one or two on the roster.’’

Nolan’s staff will include former varsity coach T.J. Chiappone, Mark Rebello, Tom Forbes (jayvee coach) and Dan Sylvia (freshmen coach). “They’re all valuable assistants,’’ Nolan said.

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focusing on reaching one’s potential and having fun, Nolan says “winning is the by-product of those two facets.’’ He also stresses that “when players are relaxed, they tend to do better.’’ Life lessons that Nolan hopes his players learn are “to be team-first players, be leaders, strive to overcome adversity and be resilient.’’

A three-sport athlete at Winchester High (soccer, hockey and baseball), Nolan was a captain in hockey and an all-star as a goalie in soccer. A walk-on at Holy Cross in baseball, he was the team’s MVP as a senior and hurled a four-hit shutout against West Point.

A math and economics major, Nolan works as a financial manager for Welch Corporation, a construction firm in Brighton. He’s married and he and his wife Janna have four children.

Andy Nolan is all about teaching his players to be fundamentally sound. He’s hoping that relying on basics will lead the Blackhawks to a league title and tourney success that lasted longer than last year. 

The journey begins April 1 in Winchester.