Time to play
Public League ball!

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

The tradition of solid baseball competition in the Philadelphia Public League continues this season, as the four local high schools put their teams on the field.
Will Frankford High School be able to defend its title as Public League champs? Will Washington High’s senior experience provide an edge against opponents?
Here is a look at the four local squads — the Railsplitters, Pioneers, Vikings and Eagles — that play ball in Northeast Philadelphia.

PUBLIC LEAGUE DIVISION A
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
The Railsplitters of Abraham Lincoln High School had a tough run on the baseball field last year, finishing with a 2-12 record in the regular season.
Now it’s a new season, with renewed optimism.
Senior pitchers David Moser and Kevin Adamson lead the squad as team co-captains.
"I don’t usually assign captains, but they’ve been with me for four years and they have the respect of their teammates," said coach John Larsen.
Senior Adam Goncharsky leads the Railsplitters’ infield at first base. Junior Mike Ulmer will play shortstop, with Nick Arnott at third and Justin Large at second base. Charles Boyd, a versatile senior, will also see playing time at second base, in the outfield and on the pitching mound.
"Our infield has really taken a step forward from last year," said Larsen.
Leftfielder Gary Hutchinson will join Dylan Gallagher and Michael Vazquez in the outfield. Gallagher, a sophomore, will also spend time at catcher. Ed Tomaszewski — who has a broken foot and will be out until late April — will share catching duties once he is healthy.
"As always, we want to continue to develop and improve as the season goes along," said Larsen. "We are in a really tough division. We’re hoping to surprise a few teams, which I think we can."

FRANKFORD
After winning the Public League baseball crown last year by defeating Central, Frankford High’s Pioneers hope to do it again this season.
"I’m really excited about this year," said coach Juan Namnun, a 1995 Frankford graduate who was an assistant baseball coach for six years until taking the top job this season. "We have a lot of returning players. Experience will definitely be our greatest strength."
Leading the way will be senior pitcher Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche, who will be joined in the spotlight by number-two pitcher and centerfielder Edwin Rohena.
"In my opinion, they are the two best players in the city," said Namnun. "They are both exceptionally talented athletes."
Jose Burgos will also see time on the pitching mound when he is not playing rightfield. He will be joined in the outfield by Jose Gueuits.
The Pioneers’ infield will feature Jon Bracero — who can play second base and shortstop — as well as third baseman David Doggett and Frank Donato at first.
Robinson Rodriguez will be guarding home plate.
"We are fortunate that we have a lot of depth offensively and defensively," said Namnun. "I think we’re going to be very successful."

NORTHEAST
After a semifinals loss in extra innings (2-1) against Central last season, the Northeast High School baseball team is eager to be back in the playoffs.
Leading the way will be three-time All-Public player Tim Freiling, a junior catcher and team co-captain. Pitcher and first baseman Ryan Susten will share leadership responsibilities as a co-captain with shortstop Jose Delgado.
The infield will consist of Lance Lempert at second base and Alan Logan and Julius Spann — who currently is out with an ankle injury — sharing third-base duties. All three players also will see some time on the pitching mound.
Chad O’Malley can play second base and rightfield. Junior leftfielder Shelbie Marion and centerfielder Kasey Margerum round out the outfield.
"We’re a year older and a year more mature," said coach Sam Feldman. "At this point, we can build on what we’ve already learned."

WASHINGTON
With more than a handful of seniors and plenty of experience, the Washington High School baseball team should be solid contenders in this year’s Public League.
"I have some high expectations," said Moxi Bilkins, the Eagles’ boss for seven years. "We’re a senior-based team, and I think defensively we should be able to do the things we need to do."
Centerfielder and team co-captain Andrew Goodman will join Jon Wright in left and Marquis Murray in right to form the Eagles’ all-senior outfield.
Mike LaRose will play first base, with Will McFillin at shortstop and senior Stan Borodyansky rounding out the infield at third. A second baseman has not yet been determined.
Borodyansky will also see time on the mound with fellow senior pitchers Dan Engleberg, Tom Radziak and Eric Eder. Damien Wilmer will handle catching responsibilities.
"All of our pitchers are multi-positional," said Bilkins. "We’re expecting to be very competitive, and we’re anxious to get started. This is a close-knit group, which is making things a lot more fun." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com