VIDEO: Big Blue Baseball Enjoys Big Numbers at Tryouts

Big Blue baseball coach T. J. Baril had the biggest tryout turnout in his
six years as head coach Monday afternoon at the gym.
Fifty-three players showed up looking to show the coaches what they could do.

Swampscott made it to the state tournament in 2010, winning a first round
game against Winthrop, before falling in round two to Whittier. The Big Blue
finished 8-13  last season in the Northeastern Conference.

“The first day of tryouts is always a big day, the kids are ready to get at
it,” Baril said.  “The MIAA pushed back the start of the practice season, we
started a week later than usual and the kids are really enthusiastic, they
showed up pumped up and ready to go.”

Four seniors graduated, but Baril welcomed back 10 players with varsity
experience Monday afternoon. The first training session was held indoors.

The players were able to get outside on the grass next to the high school on
Tuesday afternoon.

“When we start the season, every spot is open, we haven’t penciled anybody
in yet, everybody has a shot, and everybody got to make the team again this
time around.”

The coaches know what the returning players can do, and there were seven
sophomores who saw action in the playoffs last season.  They’re juniors now,
and Baril is expecting them to step it up in 2011.

This season’s tri-captains are all returning seniors, Tommy Keenan, Robert
Faia and Justin Fischer-Block.

Athletes from many sports make up this year’s edition of the baseball team;
Coach Baril will have hockey players, football players and basketball
players on his 2011 roster.

“The more active you are during the year, the better off you’re going to be
when baseball season rolls around,” Baril said.

Baril said this year’s team has a lot of depth, which should serve them well
as the season progresses. SHS returns a lot of pitchers who threw a lot of
innings last year as well.

“Some of our guys took some lumps last year, but that builds character, and
it showed the guys what we’ll expect out of them this season,” Baril said.

Matt Videtta will handle the bulk of the catching duties.

Baril said that the Blue needs to make some adjustments in the infield and outfield, but he’s confident that the players will be ready on opening day Wednesday, April 6, on the road against the Red Raiders of Melrose High School.

Weather permitting, Swampscott will head to Salem State for a scrimmage
against Austin Prep this Sunday. The Big Blue has also scheduled scrimmage
games with Manchester-Essex, St. Mary’s of Lynn and Bishop Fenwick before
the regular season begins.

The first three regular season games are on the road before the Big Blue
takes on the Saugus Sachems on Monday, April 18 at the Middle School Field.