The Lynn English baseball team burst onto the scene in its first season in the Greater Boston League last spring, winning seven of its 10 games in a shortened season and capturing the GBL crown. The Bulldogs also took home a number of league awards, as head coach Esteban Paula was named Coach of the Year and now-graduated third-baseman Alex Gonzalez was named MVP.
But the calendar has now shifted to 2022, and Paula knows that things are going to be a little different this time around.
“It’s an exciting opportunity and we’re ready for it, but we have to understand that this is going to be a challenge because it’s now a full season, not just 10 games,” said Paula, an English alum who is now in his second year at the helm. “Last year we had a lot of new guys and they really responded well after a tough start, winning six of their last seven. Now we want to bring that into this season.”
While guys like Gonzalez and GBL All-Conference selection Clodys Prandys have graduated, there are still a host of players coming back for 2022. Yordy Contreras was a GBL All-Conference pick as well last season, while Brendan Falasca is returning to his post as catcher after being selected as a GBL All-Star. Other contributors from 2021, including Mateo Rodriguez, Manny Taveras and others, will also be back in the dugout this spring.
In addition, Paula says that there’s a decent chance he’ll be starting two freshmen this season.
“The guys have really been working hard in the offseason, and it’s showing,” said Paula. “Our expectations weren’t quite as high last season because we were coming off of a year where we didn’t play, but guys have really gotten back after it this offseason.”
The Bulldogs have been ready and raring to go since practice began on Monday, and after running into a bit of cold and rainy weather in the middle of the week, they’ll be hitting the turf at Fraser Field for practice Friday afternoon.
“These kinds of scrimmages are the best because we’re going up against really good teams and seeing how we stack up,” said Paula. “All of the guys are excited to play, and this is a great way to measure ourselves.”
English will be taking part in a six-team scrimmage jamboree alongside other strong teams like Malden Catholic and Swampscott this weekend, then the Bulldogs have separate scrimmages set up against Lynn Tech and Swampscott next week. The season opener is set for Monday, April 4 against Medford under the lights at Fraser Field.
“The guys can’t wait for that first game,” said Paula. “Opening night under the lights at Fraser Field, that’s what these guys want.”
