2011's squad (41-23) recorded JJC's 10th trip to the NJCAA Division III national tournament. The 2012 team looks very promising. The team's success will be depending on the ability to blend all phases of the game together.
"We have kids who play solid defense, kids who swing the bats, and some pitchers who can throw the heck out of the ball," stated Head Coach Wayne King.
As always, pitching will need to carry the team in the early parts of the season and allow the hitting to catch up. Six returning sophomores need to lead the way. Trevor Vermillion, Alex Parks, Jonathan Rosario, Jared Steck, Nick Filetti, and transfer A.J. Woynerowski will be the ones to carry the load in 2012.
"All these guys have experience and that is a plus for us in 2012," said King.
Freshman Mike Hamilton, Austin Vazquez, Kaleb Strothman, Sam O'Shea, and Garret Rhodes round out the pitching corp for this season.
"I believe these freshman can and will make an impact for us this spring," stated Coach King. "We have a few pitchers who can dominate a game, others who will play roles. All in all, it is a pretty good group of arms we have for 2012," said King.
Even though this group might be small in numbers, the infielders could be the strongest part of the 2012 team. Sophomore Cole Judy, Dan Eliopulos, transfer Tim Blaha, and 2-way (INF/OF) Trey Russell lead the charge for the infield corp.
"All-American Dan Eliopulos and Cole Judy will be our leaders this spring on the infield," stated Coach King.
Freshmen Luke Andrade and Dakota Brown have solid abilities in the field and at the plate.
"This group really needs to be the backbone of this year's team," said King.
Mark Kasper, Rick Gazarek, and Trey Russell are the returning outfielders in 2012.
"These guys have played and gotten great experience as a freshman in 2011. They need to continue last year's success in 2012," said Wayne King.
Freshmen Cody Krilich, Nick Gould, Dominic Olszta, and Travis Wysong add depth to the outfield corp.
"With all of these guys, we have kids who can run, throw, and hit. This should give us plenty of mobility this spring," stated King.
Three freshmen make up the 2012 catching unit: Casey Papp, Jake Keefe, and Brandon Mackowiak.
"Our inexperience behind the plate worries me a little," said King. "All three are hard workers and will be battling to nail down the number one spot."
"I believe that this year's squad has some potential to do good things. We have a good mix of sophomores and freshman that need to blend together," said King.