Public League baseball preview:
Local teams looking young, but strong

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

The usually dominant four local Public League schools — Lincoln, Northeast, Frankford and Washington— will be facing some challenges this baseball season.
And the most common trait among them all will be competing against one another with very young teams. With the exception of a few returning seniors, coaches are working with a lot of new players and new talent this year.
For some teams, it will be perceived as a rebuilding year. For others, it will be an opportunity to give these athletes a chance to shine.
Here is a glance at Northeast schools preparing for the Public League season.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
It’s going to take a lot more than a busted baseball field to stop the Railsplitters this season.
Abraham Lincoln High School will host all home games this season at Max Myers Field, at Hellerman and Eastwood streets, because of construction on the team’s home field.
"So we’re basically playing an away schedule the entire year," said Lincoln coach John Larsen.
Despite problems on the home front, the Railsplitters are continuing to practice as usual, playing anywhere they can. So don’t be surprised to see these athletes running drills in the school hallways, vacant parking lots and even the front lawn of Lincoln High School.
"We’re practicing anywhere we can," said Larsen. "But the team is loving the creativity. They have a great attitude."
The Railsplitters are a young team this year, but they have some promising prospects. Two seniors will be returning — outfielder Matt Stahl and first baseman Jose Maysonet.
"Jose really developed last year, and I think he’s going to be even better this year," said Larsen. "We’re looking to him to be one of the leaders for the team."
Juniors Kevin Adamson, Gary Hutchinson, Tim Wells and Giovanni Maysonet will cover the outfield, alongside freshman Dylan Gallagher and sophomore Sean Cross.
Nicolas Arnott, Justin Large, David Mosher and Charles Boyd will round out the infield, with Ed Tomoszewski behind the plate.
The Railsplitters have five pitchers this season, including Adamson, Boyd and Mosher.
New to the team are Adam Goncharsky and Michael Vazquez, who look like promising power hitters.
"I’m looking forward to a fun season," said Larsen. "We have a very young team, but I’m excited to see these kids grow into talented ballplayers.
"The enthusiasm is there," he added. "These guys are ready to play hard and ready to win."

NORTHEAST
Last year, the Vikings advanced to the semifinals — and lost to Central by one run. This season, despite having a very young team, Northeast thinks it can advance even further.
"We have a lot of potential this year," said coach Sam Feldman, in his eighth year as head coach. "We have a very talented group and I think that we’re going to go far."
Leading the Vikings this season are returning seniors and team captains Joe Breitweiser, Jose Lopez and Craig Young.
Young and Lopez will be guarding the outfield, with sophomores Jose Delgado, Julius Susten, Lance Lamtert and Julius Spann holding down the infield.
"We have an all-sophomore infield," said Feldman. "They’re young, but they want to learn. They’re attentive — they got big eyes and big ears and they can’t wait to get out on the field."
Breitweiser, a senior, will spend most of his season on the mound, where he is expected to have another great season. Viking pitchers include Lopez, Brian Sustan and freshman Anthony Rauscher. Tim Freiling and Rauscher’s twin brother Chris will handle the catching duties.
"Breitweiser is one of the best pitchers in the league," said Feldman. "With him pitching we could go deep into the playoffs.
"The team understands that they have a lot of hard work ahead," he continued. "But I know they have the talent to win."

FRANKFORD
The Pioneers may have lost five outstanding players to graduation last year, but the Frankford team is still looking like a strong contender this season.
"We lost some terrific players," said coach Bob Peffle. "You can’t replace that quality in one year. It’s going to be tough, but we have a really good group that is working hard."
The Pioneers are composed almost entirely of juniors this season. Jon Bracero will be returning for his third year to resume his middle infield responsibilities. Dave Doggett will be playing third base when he’s not catching, and Esteban Meletiche will cover shortstop when he’s not on the mound.
Meletiche, also a junior, is expected to have a successful season with the Pioneers. He will be joining Jose Burgos and Edwin Rohena on the pitching staff.
"All of our pitchers are underclassmen," said Peffle. "Pitching will control the outcome of these games. We have a young group, but I really like our youth and our capabilities."
Rohena, Burgos and senior Jeffry Bru will be covering the outfield duties for the Pioneers.
"The team really has a willingness to work," said Peffle. "They pay attention to detail and they are working hard."

GEORGE WASHINGTON
After a week of spring training in Florida, the Eagles have returned to Philadelphia with high hopes for playoff contention this year.
"I feel like we have a head start," said coach Max Bilkins. "We got to see some live pitching and move players around. It was a great opportunity for the team."
The Eagles’ infield will be composed of third baseman Stan Borodyansky, shortstop Will McFillin, senior Dave Mullen at second and Ed Sabara at first base.
Damien Wilmer will also see some time at first base when he’s not catching. Senior Isaiah Johnson will spend most of his time in catcher’s gear, but will also play third base when needed.
"Isaiah is really a utility player," said Bilkins. "A lot of our guys can play several positions. We have some great multi-faceted players this year, which gives me the flexibility to move them around a lot."
Leftfielder Marquis Murray, centerfielder Andrew Goodman and rightfielder Tim McHale will cover the outfield for the Eagles.
Senior Corey Seidman will be joining the pitching staff once again for Washington, alongside McFillin, Tommy Radziak and Daniel Engelberg.
Freshman Aaron Wilmer will also see some playing time on the mound.
"You can put him anywhere," said Bilkins. "You’ll see more and more of him. He’s a great prospect for the future.
"More than half the team is new this year," he continued. "So it’s a team-building experience. But there is already a strong team unity among the players." ••