BHS Baseball Team Aiming to Achieve Four Goals

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

Coach Andy Nolan and his Bellingham High baseball team have four goals they’ll be striving to achieve for the 2024 season.

The Blackhawks want to qualify for the state tourney, advance deep into the playoffs, defend their Tri Valley League Small Division championship, and aim for daily improvement.

“We’ve got a strong group of pitchers whose control is good,” said Nolan who’s beginning his third year at the helm. Our baseball IQ is high, we’re skilled and have speed, especially in the outfield. We also have talent, experience, depth and a team-first attitude.’’

The Blackhawks, whose 16-man roster includes eight seniors, are also motivated. Those seniors have competed in the Division 4 playoffs for the last two years, but their journey ended in the second round both times. 

“Getting past the second round is an unspoken objective,’’ Nolan emphasized. “That’s not something we talk about early on. The key to any season is to win the day. The players know what we want to achieve.’’

The 48-year-old Nolan has coached all his seniors since they played youth baseball. “The seniors have been together for a long time, and they promote team chemistry,” said Nolan.

Nolan can count on nine experienced returnees. 

Bellingham’s captains are all seniors — Tyler Ladouceur (pitcher, first base, right fielder), Ryan Nolan (second base) and CJ Fama (pitcher, shortstop). 

Ladoucer, who plans to play for Nichols College next year, hit .313 on average for the last two years. “Tyler will bat third,’’ Nolan said. “He’s a powerful gap hitter who’ll be in the mix to be a starting pitcher. A left-hander, he’s got good control and his change-up is his best pitch.’’

Ryan Nolan, the coach’s son, who averaged .275 for the last two years, will play second base. “Ryan is an excellent fielder who’s got a high baseball IQ,’’ Nolan said. “He’s a good contract hitter who relies on consistency.’’

Fama is a right-hander who compiled a 1.50 earned-run average last year. He also struck out 25 batters in 28 innings. “CJ could start, close or handle middle-inning relief,’’ Nolan noted. “His slider and curve ball are his bread-and-butter pitches. A TVL honorable mention all-star last year, he’s solid at shortstop. He’s got a strong arm and makes the tough play.’’

Senior right-hander Alex Hughes led the Blackhawks in innings pitched (38 2/3) last year. He struck out 44 and had an E.R.A. of 2.90. “A starter, Alex throws a fastball, curve, change-up and a sinker,’’ Nolan said. “His control is good, his velocity has improved every year, and he’s fearless on the mound.’’

Senior lefty Jack Hildred, who plans to play for Worcester State next spring, “has the best stuff on our team,’’ Nolan said. “His E.R.A. was 0.68 for 10 1/3 innings. He was on our injured list last year but he’ll be our closer this season. Jack throws a curve and a change-up and his fastball moves. He has some power at the plate and could get time in right field.’’

Senior centerfielder Ross Priscella hit .292 last year. “Ross is a gold-glove caliber outfielder,’’ Nolan said. “He’s got great range and gets a really good jump on the ball. Relying on speed and quickness, he’s a spray hitter who’s got patience at the plate.’’

Senior Joe Corsi will bat cleanup or fifth and play either first or third base. “We’re counting on Joe to be solid at the plate and in the field,’’ said Nolan who was a three-sport athlete (baseball, hockey, soccer) at Winchester High. “He’s a big strong kid with potential.’’

Senior right-hander Sean Brown will pitch and also play shortstop. “Sean is smooth and has a strong arm,’’ Nolan said. “Relying on a curve ball, we can utilize Sean as a starter or a reliever. A gamer who’s always eager to compete, his uniform is always dirty.’’

Sophomore Josh Bouchard, who’ll play left field, led the team last year in hitting (.364) and total bases (37). “Josh swings hard, always combining speed and power,’’ Nolan said. “His grand slam against Grafton last year was the key to an 8-7 victory.’’

Junior Colin Sherman has lots of versatility, able to play shortstop, third base or catcher. “We’ll take advantage of Colin’s versatility,’’ Nolan said. “A right-handed hitter, he’s got grit, a strong arm and is a gap-to-gap hitter. If we need him behind the plate, he’s willing to handle the catching chores.’’

Sophomore right-hander Ben Maiorano likely will be utilized as a reliever and an infielder. “Ben’s best pitches are a fastball and a curve,’’ Nolan offered. “He had a good year playing for the junior-varsity team. Relying on a very strong arm, Ben’s mix (assortment) is exciting to watch.’’

Nolan’s coaching staff includes TJ Chiappone and Mark Rebello (varsity aides), Tom Forbes (jayvee coach) and Dan Sylvia (freshmen coach). 

Starting April 1 against Blackstone Valley Tech, Nolan expects his squad to compete at a high level, improve daily and focus on the game at hand to achieve its goals.