Classical baseball hopes youth serves in 2015

Early last season, Lynn Classical baseball coach Mike Zukowski made the decision to go with a lineup that featured predominantly freshmen and sophomores.
Despite a roller coaster ride of a season, Zukowski stuck with his young players and it paid off with a 10-10 regular-season record and a spot in the Division 2 North tournament. The Rams were eliminated by Dracut in the opening round of the playoffs but Zukowski hopes that only feeds the fire for his team this season.
?These kids have a taste of what it?s like to get in the tournament and hopefully that?s a big motivator for them this year,” Zukowski said. “We have a really good group. They?re young, but I like that. They learned a lot last year.
?Yes, we have some holes to fill but I really think we can build on last year and get a few more wins.”
Classical?s lone senior in the expected starting lineup is captain Damien Earp, who will be at second base after manning shortstop last season.
?Damien was the leader that did it emotionally for us last year,” Zukowski said. “Hopefully, the kids will see that and follow it.”
The other upperclassmen in the lineup is junior first baseman Andre Gaudet, who had a breakout season at first base last year.
Sophomore Andrew Moccia brings versatility to the lineup, penciled in to be the starting shortstop for the Rams but can play all over the diamond. Junior Brandon Devin and sophomore Herbie Newton are set to split time at third base.
Newton, who had five complete games in his first year on the varsity last year, is expected to be one of the aces of the pitching staff.
Centerfielder Tyler Way, who played both corner outfield spots last season, is also expected to make big contributions.
?Tyler is probably the fastest kids we?ve ever had in the program,” Zukowski said.
Senior Joe Tardiff will pitch as well as play in both the infield and outfield.
Zukowski was pleasantly surprised with the number of players he had when practice began on Monday. More than 60 came out for tryouts, the bulk being freshmen and sophomores.
?There is going to be a lot of competition,” Zukowski said.
Zukowski has five scrimmages set up but is worried that his team might not be able to get any live game action before starting the season.?Most of us are in the same boat with the weather,” Zukowski said. “Our practice fields are still under snow and we?re trying to find some indoor time. Without having a home field that?s completely turf, it?s almost impossible to get outside right now.”