LYNN– With a new Futures Collegiate Baseball League season underway, the North Shore Navigators feel optimistic about their chances of competing this summer.
A solid mix of new faces and familiar ones have the Navigators in good standing through the early going. The team hired Mike Odenwaelder as its new manager during the offseason.
“I’m very excited for it,” Odenwaelder said. “This is my first time managing a team, sort of having it to myself. With myself and pitching coach Ariel Ramos, tt’s just the two of us. We’re excited. We know it’s going to be a lot of work but I’m excited to take the reigns and work with the organization.”
A former FBCL player, Odenwaelder spent a few summers with the former Torrington Titans. From his experiences playing in the league, he knows wins are a premium and competing for a FCBL title’s much easier said than done. He’s also aware of the opportunities that open for players who showcase their talents in the FCBL.
“I played in the league for three years so I know quite a bit about the history,” Odenwaelder said. “I’ve seen a few teams come and go in this league. I know we’ve got some quality players in this league. There’s going to be some scouts in the stands. If you’re looking to play at the next level, this is a good stepping stone toward getting drafted. I know I probably got drafted through my success in the FCBL. We’re hoping some of our guys get to see their names called on draft day.”
Things have gone well thus far, Odenwaelder said. The Navigators are still learning one another’s strengths and areas for improvement on the go but team chemistry and work ethic have been there since the first practice.
“It seems like a pretty tight-knit group,” Odenwalder said. “We have a lot of great kids that come from great families. We have great players that come from a lot of great college programs. Everyone’s friendly, everyone shows up on time and works really hard. We’re hoping that translates to a lot of wins on the field.”
This summer’s team continues North Shore’s tradition of carrying local talent on its roster. Locals on the team include Marblehead’s Beau Dana (pitcher, Dickinson), Swampscott’s Gavin Sullivan (pitcher, Steston), Swampscott’s Louis Olivieri (catcher, Central Alabama), Peabody’s Tyler MacGregor (infielder, Columbia) and Danvers’ Andrew Olszak (infielder, Southern Maine).
“It’s great because it kind of helps guys that aren’t from the area adjust,” Odenwaelder said of carrying homegrown products on his roster. “They can show them the ins and outs of not only Lynn but Fraser Field and the area. Those guys are kind of the glue of the team. Olszak swung the bat really well in the first game. I’m looking forward to having Olivieri behind the dish. It’s great having those local guys.”
North Shore started the season with back-to-back road wins (9-8 at Brockton Rox, 12-6 at Worcester Bravehearts) and won Saturday’s home opener, 6-2 over the Nashua Silver Knights at Fraser Field. The Navigators suffered their first loss of the season Sunday, a 7-3 defeat at Brockton. They’ll aim to bounce back into the win column Monday night (7) when they host Worcester.
“I’m excited to get it going here,” Odenwaelder said. “The whole Navs family has been nothing but great so far. It’s a great place to be and I’m looking forward to hanging out here all summer.”
