Annville-Cleona Dutchmen
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4
Head Coach: Mike Miller, 6th season
Key Returning Players: Gavin Keller (Sr., Pitcher/Infield); Julian Biondollo (Sr., Pitcher/Infield); Freilin Ramos (Sr., Outfield); Ricardo Cruz (Sr., Infield/Catcher); Sam Slabach (Sr., Pitcher/Infield); Cameron Connelly (Jr., Pitcher/Outfield); Ben Morcom (Jr., Pitcher/Infield)
Key Losses: Cash Anspach, Isaac Good, Alex Lingle, Jake Mills
Outlook: Last season, the Dutchmen were 9-12 overall, but went 6-2 in Section 4 to finish 2nd. They were also District qualifiers, but ran into Trinity in the first round. They return this year with plenty of veteran leadership, looking to build upon their success from last year. In addition to the upperclassmen, Coach Miller welcomes several newcomers to the varsity team that may be able to add depth. In order for them to win, they will need to be consistent in all phases on the game. With a strong set of arms, the pitching staff should be able to keep Annville in most games, so it will come down to run creation and sound defense. If they can do this, the Dutchmen could do more than just make an appearance in the District 3 Playoffs.
Cedar Crest Falcons
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1
Head Coach: Matt Knox, 3rd season
Key Returning Players: Nolan Groff (Sr., Shortstop); Colden Rambler (Sr., Pitcher); Dayton DiBiaso (Jr., Catcher); Caleb Dorshimer (Jr., First base)
Key Losses: Austin Beard (Northampton CC); Deklyn Marks (Albright); Several other key pieces
Outlook: The 2022 edition of Falcon baseball was extremely senior heavy as they graduated their starting rotation, starting outfield, and two starting infielders. Needless to say, Coach Knox’s lineup in 2023 lacks experience as only four varsity players are returning. However, they are talented, even if unproven. If everyone steps up and Cedar Crest can find consistency in the pitching department and find ways to produce runs, they could be competitive in Section 1 and make a case of the postseason.
ELCO Raiders
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3
Head Coach: Roger Hehnley, 7th season
Key Returning Players: Dalton Bressler (Sr., Outfield); Nick Pagano (Sr., First base); Zane Ruth (Sr., Second base); Morgan Shanaman (Jr., Pitcher); Colin Bogart (Jr., Pitcher); Cody Boyer (Jr., Outfield); Dallas George (Jr., Shortstop)
Key Losses: Carter Tice
Outlook: Last season, the Raiders finished with a 4-15 record, but lost many tight games with a young team. Coach Hehnley’s crew only had to say goodbye to one senior and return their core from 2022. If they can build upon their foundation, the ELCO players will not only enjoy playing the game, but they will find themselves making a push for postseason qualification.
Lebanon Cedars
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2
Head Coach: Fred Gonzalez, 6th season
Key Returning Players: Andar Duran (Sr., Pitcher/Infield); Griffin Gonzalez (Sr., Pitcher/Infield); Jordy Polanco (Sr., Pitcher/Infield); Randy Polanco (Sr., Pitcher/Infield); Ben DiScuillo (So., Infield/Outfield)
Key Losses: Braden Collazo (PSU-Harrisburg); Jose Porte
Outlook: The Cedars return several seniors to the line-up for the 2023 season, as they hope to build upon the lessons learned during last year’s five-win season. This will not be an easy feat, as Section 2 is not a welcoming place to play. However, grit and determination could aid Lebanon in improving upon last season’s record.
Northern Lebanon Vikings
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4
Head Coach: Travis Thome, 1st season
Key Returning Players: DJ Byerly (Sr., Catcher); Jared Ecenroad (Sr., Third base/Pitcher); Brian Lowen (Sr., Middle Infield); Jacob Richard (Sr., Pitcher/First base); Maverick Swingholm (Sr., Middle Infield); Owen Walmer (Sr., Pitcher/Outfield); James Voight (Sr., Utility); Moises Gonzalez (Jr., Outfield); Riley Messinger (So., Infield/Pitcher)
Key Losses: Michael Hetrick; Levi Matlosz; Bryce McFeaters; Jaron Williams
Outlook: In 2022, Northern Lebanon was 7-13 and 3-9 in Section 3. This season, not only are they making the move to Section 4, they welcome a new head man in their program. Coach Travis Thome takes over as the skipper for the Vikings, bringing a wealth of baseball knowledge. He has been working tirelessly since taking the job in December, challenging his players to improve every day. Their goal is to make it to the postseason and to put Northern Lebanon Baseball on the map. With a mix of senior leadership and some younger talent, Coach Thome’s squad could vastly increase their total number of victories if they continue to put in the work.
Palmyra Cougars
Mid-Penn Conference – Keystone Division
Head Coach: Justin Hileman, 1st season
Key Returning Players: Chase Blanchard (Sr., Catcher/Infield), Bronson Coburn (Sr., Pitcher); Jake Dibeler (Sr., Infield); Alex Dorta (So., Infield); Braeden Sommer (So., Infield)
Key Losses: Jacob Deimling (York College); Caleb Fisher (Chesapeake College); Peter Stoner
Outlook: When Palmyra needed a new head coach for this season, Justin “Jutt” Hileman answered the call. Hileman is widely considered as the best player in the history of the program, winning a State Championship with the Cougars before being drafted by the Cardinals when he finished high school (more on bonafides can be found here). He is someone who understands the tradition of the program and what it means for the development of the young men with whom he’ll be working. Ahead of the season, he was very excited with the preparation taken by his players and could not wait to see them compete with confidence this season. The Cougars will have a nice balance of veteran leadership and younger talent to work with during Hileman’s first season.
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